Since 1988 • Priceless
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
August 2020
oldtowncrier oldtowncrier.com
Setting the Standard In Old Town Since 1979
august’20 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 571-257-5437 office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert Meg Mullery SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Ashley Schultz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 703. 669. 5502 Sarah Becker F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Scott Dicken Doug Fabbioli Matt Fitzsimmons Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Genevieve LeFranc Sarah Liu Cindy McGovern
CONTRIBUTORS Meg Mullery Melinda Myers Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Ashley Schultz Jaime Stephens Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown Molly Winans
Artist: Bryan Jernigan
14
18
44
A Bit of History................................................................ 9
Fitness................................................................................39
Open Space.....................................................................43
After Hours.......................................................................13
Fitness Feature: Stress Management...............................38
Purrsonality Profile.......................................................... 6
Alexandria Cars & Coffee.............................................. 5
From the Bay...................................................................24
Pets of the Month.........................................................21
Alexandria Events............................................................ 3
From the Trainer............................................................40
Points on Pets.................................................................20
Arts & Antiques..............................................................15
Gallery Beat.....................................................................14
Publisher’s Notes.............................................................. 2
Business Profile................................................................. 4
Go Fish...............................................................................42
Road Trip...........................................................................26
Caribbean Connection...............................................22
Grapevine.........................................................................35
Social Media Message................................................... 2
Dining Guide...................................................................35
High Notes.......................................................................12
Take Photos, Leave Footprints.................................18
Dining Out.......................................................................32
Let’s Eat..............................................................................34
The Last Word.................................................................11
Exploring Virginia Wines............................................37
Local Farmers Markets................................................... 4
To the Blue Ridge..........................................................29
Financial Focus.................................................................. 8
National Harbor.............................................................44
To the Blue Ridge: Twilight Polo Update............28
First Blush.........................................................................41
On the Road with OTC................................................... 1
Urban Garden.................................................................16
© 2020 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to select Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas and St. John, USVI.
Since 1988 • Priceless
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
August 2020
oldtowncrier oldtowncrier.com
about the cover Our long time friend and popular local photographer, Chester Simpson, captured this beautiful shot while camping with his family on Ocracoke Island. Around 6 pm on June 20, 2020, the clouds parted and a rainbow appeared over the ocean on the Island. We are hoping that this is an indication of what is to come. © 2020 Photo by Chester Simpson Rock-N-RollPhotos.com
Old Town Crier
On the road with OTC
The OTC has gone to the dog(s)...days of summer. Longtime Alexandria resident, friend and animal lover, Pam Schiffleger relives the memories of the August 2019 issue with her friends pooch on the cover with her border collies - Tripp and Storm - on a sunny afternoon at home in Del Ray. With the travel restrictions in force due to the pandemic we haven't had any current submissions from our readers with their OTC's in hand while they are "On the Road". Until things get better, we would like you to send a photo of you and yours (including your furry family members) checking out the publication in the comfort of your own home/patio/pool or man cave or doing something fun and submitting it for publication. We can always create some fun captions! If you would like to see your photo in this space, take a high resolution shot and email it with a description for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com.
August 2020 | 1
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
BOB TAGERT
I sure am glad that July is over. With a record of over 90 degree days, I am looking forward to a cooler month in August. Hopefully I will be able to get a little sailing in on the beautiful waters around Solomons Island, Maryland. Because of the July heat we decided to return to one of my favorite places when I was a kid for the Road Trip column...Skyline Drive in the glorious Shenandoah National Park. If you go, check out the Copper Fox Distillery ad in this issue and stock up on their fine whiskies when you drive through Sperryville. In Last Word Miriam Kramer treats us to her “grab bag of books” for summer reading. Included in this impressive list is Mary L. Trump’s book, Too Much and Never Enough, which smashed Simon & Schuster’s record for first day book sales. In these trying times Lori Welch Brown takes a look at the challenges of life through her grandmother’s eyes in Open Space. To go along with our Road Trip column, Matt Fitzsimmons explores the Shenandoah wine scene in Grapvine. It is a good educational romp through the vines! For those thinking about a visit to Africa, Scott Dicken begins a series of African trips starting off with budget friendly destinations in Take Photos, Leave Footprints. In Gallery Beat, Lenny Campello explores the options of artists in the future for displaying their wares. The Caribbean Connection gives us a glimpse of more islands lifting travel restrictions but they still have strict rules that you need to know. Over the last dozen years it seems that August is a cooler month than July and I hope that holds true. I realized years ago that it was hotter in August than July when I went sailing. In recent years the opposite is true. Try to get out in the open spaces this month and stay cool but keep that mask handy and wash those hands.
Captain Bob at the Helm.
SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE
ASHLEY ROSSON
Happy Birthday Shelter Pooches!
S
ince August 1st is “Dogust” 1st: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs, I decided to focus this month’s message on how “Social Media” has helped animal organizations with donations, adoptions, volunteer help, and awareness. In the past, in order to find the perfect pets for your family, you would frequent the “Pet of the Week” section of the newspaper, ask friends to keep an eye and ear out, and physically stop by the vet, animal shelter, or pet store to inquire. Nowadays, someone interested in adopting or helping in any way can simply go online and search Petfinder or log into Facebook or Twitter and check the latest posts by different animal organizations. The rise of social media has enabled animal shelters and organizations to broaden their influence in the community and reach audiences that may have otherwise looked the other 2 | August 2020
way. Since animal shelters are non-profit organizations, they rely heavily on fundraising and donations to help keep them afloat and to keep the animals healthy and safe. Animal organizations are constantly accepting donations for food, supplies, vet bill assistance, and are not afraid to ask for help on social media. Animal organizations also use social media to educate the public and raise awareness. A common piece of advice floating around is to remember to spay or neuter your pet. Other posts I have seen discuss summer exercise safety for your pet, deaf pet awareness, vaccinations, puppy housetraining, and animal cruelty. These are just some of the ways
Former Shelter-pup, Link, takes no opportunity to run free for granted. He was adopted from Briggs Animal Shelter in Charlestown, WV. Photo: Lauren Fleming
animal shelters utilize social media. Others include sharing heartfelt rescue stories and updates on their progress and reuniting pets with their owners. Social media has also helped with the relocation of lost pets, one post of a picture of your pet, often will get shared over and over increasing the possibility of your pet being found. So next time you are looking to add a furry member to your family, check out some of your local animal organizations social media pages, you might find the perfect addition to your life. You can also check our “Pets of the Month” in the Points on Pets section of the Old Town Crier. Old Town Crier
Alexandria EVENTS & INFORMATION
COVID-19 UPDATE
With the current situation with the COVID-19 virus all schedules events have been cancelled. We will post as we get information, in the meantime we encourage you to connect with the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association at:
VisitAlexandriaVA.com Blog.VisitAlexandriaVA.com Facebook.com/VisitAlexandriaVA Twitter.com/AlexandriaVA Instagram.com/VisitAlexVA Hashtags: #visitALX Ramsey House Visitors Center at the corner of King and Fairfax is now open.
Summer Sidewalk Sale Returns August 15 and 16
Stroll Outdoors for Deals from 50+ Boutiques, Free Street Parking
O
ne of the longest running seasonal summer shopping events returns to the D.C. region’s Shop Small destination for independent boutiques, Alexandria, Virginia, with the annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale happening Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2020, throughout Old Town and Del Ray. The event, which is led by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria, Old Town Boutique District, Old Town Business Association and Del Ray Business Association, features free parking and more than 50 Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise. Shoppers are invited to don their most stylish face covering and follow the map of participating stores to safely stroll outdoors along Alexandria’s red brick sidewalks for end-of-summer savings from locally owned boutiques. The map will be posted online the week of the event and will be available for pickup at the information tent in the triangle park at the corner of King and Fayette streets and at the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street. Items ranging from fashion and jewelry to home decor, culinary goods and seasonal gift items will tempt bargain-hunters from around the region. Find women’s fashion at donna lewis, TSALT, Twist Boutique and Imagine Artwear; Italian leather goods from Serafino; jewelry from She’s Unique and Silver Parrot; home décor and gifts from Boxwood and Patina Polished Living; and wine and gifts
Old Town Crier
from Wine Gallery 108 and Sonoma Cellar. Enjoy sales from Del Ray boutiques including new Sidewalk Sale participant La Brocante, offering vintage and unique home goods, and Top it Off, featuring deals on clothing and accessories. The City of Alexandria will provide free parking at meters in Old Town on both Saturday and Sunday; street parking is always free in Del Ray.
Instagram Giveaways The Old Town Boutique District and the Old Town Business Association have partnered to deck out participating Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale shops this year. A pink flamingo will greet customers at each participating store. Snap a pic with the fun tropical bird the week leading up to and weekend of the sale and post to Instagram, tagging @otboutiques, @oldtownbusiness and @VisitAlexVA and use #ALXsidewalksale. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Sidewalk Sale boutique of your choice. Winner will be selected Monday, August 17. For more chances to win, follow Visit Alexandria on Instagram at @VisitAlexVA for giveaways during the two Fridays leading up to the Summer Sidewalk Sale, August 7 and 14, 2020. One random winner will be selected each Friday to win a $125 boutique gift certificate and a washable cotton mask from KH Giving. Visit VisitAlexandriaVA.com/ SidewalkSale for more information.
August 21st – 30th ALEXANDRIA RESTAURANT WEEK TO-GO Location: Neighborhoods throughout Alexandria, Virginia, including Old Town, Del Ray, Carlyle, Eisenhower, and the West End. Offer: $49 takeout or curbside pickup dinners for two; select locations offering delivery The new to-go model for the summer Alexandria Restaurant Week reflects current customer desire to enjoy restaurant meals at home while providing new opportunities to support Alexandria’s community of locally owned restaurants. The success of Alexandria’s independent restaurant scene is critical to the city’s small business economy and essential to preserving a beloved experience of the city for residents and visitors alike as these local establishments weather the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
View the menu flip-book and participating restaurant listings at AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com 703-838-5005.
ABOUT ALEXANDRIA, VA Named the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018 by Money magazine, a Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2019 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and one of the South’s Prettiest Cities 2018 by Southern Living, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle—a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital. A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria is home to more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. At the heart of it all is bustling King Street, a walkable mile recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America. New restaurants tucked in to 18th- and 19th-century architecture still intact from the city’s days as George Washington’s hometown ignite historic and off-the-beatenpath neighborhoods as the waterfront district evolves with new energy.
August 2020 | 3
BUSINESS PROFILE
OTC STAFF
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET Market Square 301 King Street Saturdays, 7 am – 12 Noon Year Round Alexandriava.gov/oldtownfarmersmarket
Welcome Back to the Market Place
T
hese last four months sure have taken a toll on “doing business as usual” – whatever that is/was. It sure has altered how we here at the Old Town Crier have had to approach our editorial. Our “normal” M.O. is to profile an individual small business in order to highlight what they have to offer our readership and to give them some free publicity, however, in light of the situation, every small business in our distribution area deserves to be profiled. All we can do is encourage our readers to shop locally and support the sole proprietorships. The big box stores can fend for themselves. With Phase 3 being implemented the first of July, it is evident that there are more people strolling up and down King Street here in Old Town and along Mount Vernon Ave in Del Ray and there is much more activity in the surrounding rural areas that we do distribution to. One of my favorites, Culpeper, seemed almost back to normal (with the exception of having to wear masks) when we did the distribution there. Activity at many of the wineries has picked up as well and people are taking advantage of the parks and recreations areas that have opened. The Road Trip column in this issue features Skyline Drive and there were lots of people making the same trek we did in the middle of the week and they were stopping to shop, drink and dine as we meandered through Shenandoah National Park. It is evident that the pandemic has hit the small towns harder than it has the more urban areas since they depend on tourists/visitors for the bulk of their income especially in the summertime. It sure was different in July than it was in June so things are slowly looking up. Another group of entrepreneurs who have had business pick up are those who participate in our local Farmers Markets. The summer harvest season is heading into fall and the produce is phenomenal this time of year and artisans are preparing their wares looking for those upcoming holiday sales. Please take a break from your pandemic routine and check these markets out: Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, these markets are currently open for limited on site shopping but preorders are strongly encourage. All guidelines suggested by the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health and the City of Alexandria are followed by the market managers and the vendors at these markets. 4 | August 2020
The Old Town Market is thought to be the one of nation’s oldest continuing markets operating since 1753. It is said that George Washington sent his products from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today the plaza is a mecca for farmers and artists to sell their wares. The Market is a primary source for meats, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers for all those who visit.
DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET Corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues Saturdays, 8 am to Noon Year Round Delrayfarmersmarket.com This market is strictly a producer grown market. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider. Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria. A non-profit is featured each weekend.
OLD TOWN NORTH FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET Montgomery Park 901 North Royal Street Thursdays, 3 pm – 7 pm Year Round Oldtownnorth.org/farmers-market Alexandria’s favorite dog friendly market! The Old Town North Thursday Market is a growers only market with a focus on produce from small family farms and local artisans. Products sold at the market include fresh fruits and veggies from Virginia’s Northern Neck, Micro Greens from an urban farm, Empanadas, Fresh baked pastries with a European flair and much more.
FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm Year Round 4mrmarket.org This market offers fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels and strives to reflect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well
WEST END FARMERS MARKET 4800 Ben Brenaman Park Sundays, 8:30 am – 1 pm Westendfarmersmarket.org We love our market, our vendors and our customers in the community. Please come out and allow the West End to wow you with the wares of our wonderful vendors! Our market is also dog friendly unlike many others.
Old Town Crier
Alexandria Cars & Coffee By Bob Tagert
O
n July 26th, I attended my first Alexandria Cars & Coffee event at TJ Stones restaurant. I was familiar with this event since I have a few friends who bring their antique/ historic cars to these gatherings. This was the first one at TJ’s and it was well attended. Cars range from new Corvettes and Bentleys to muscle cars to autos of our youth. The group started meeting at the Hollin Hall shopping center on Fort Hunt Road in 2012. The group meets March-November
at Hollin Hall shopping center on the 1st & 3rd Sunday mornings and at Sherwood Gourmet on Sherwood Hall Lane on the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings. The group hopes to expand its base by appearing at TJ Stones, Shooter Mcgee’s and a few other restaurants in the future. It is a great place to meet some nice folks, enjoy these beautiful automobiles and enjoy brunch or lunch after or during the event. Some of these vehicles will also appear at the Speed & Style get together on King Street on September 6th. Another classic Old Town event!
SPEED & STYLE OF
SEPT 6 2020
View dozens of rare and exotic cars made famous by their speed, performance, and elegance. A day filled with fashion, style presentations, live music, fabulous food, and fantastic shopping in Alexandria, VA.
F O R T I C K E T S A N D M O R E I N F O V I S I T F E S T IVA L S P E E D S T Y L E A L E X . C O M
Old Town Crier
August 2020 | 5
PERSONALITY PROFILE
BOB TAGERT
I
f you have been in Old Town Alexandria for any length of time you may have, at some point, run into Jim Seeley at one of the piano bars over the years or maybe on stage at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. I first met Jim at the Morrison House many years ago when Bob Smith was in residence at the grand piano in the back room bar area. I actually sang a few songs but I could not hold a candle to the local talent that performed there. Jim’s story began in Alexandria where he was born at the old Alexandria Hospital. He attended school locally and graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in 1982. After he graduated from William & Mary University, he spent about a dozen years traveling
Jim Seeley… Singing & Cruising Through Life around the country and to Central America. “I lived in Southern California for a while, briefly in El Salvador, and even Miami for a few years,” he says. “I then came back here, I came home to roost,” he declares. Jim began to exhibit his singing talents in junior high school as a member of the
Jim with Wally and the Beaver. 6 | August 2020
choir. He also attended the Stephen Foster Intermediate School in south Alexandria. In his earlier years, Jim took singing lessons in Alexandria and became actively involved with the Little Theatre. If he wasn’t performing in the play, he was behind the scenes working the lighting, sound, props, set construction... everything. As we talked more about Little Theatre, Jim made the point that the last thing that will return to the Theatre will be musicals due to the coronavirus. “You know they say “six” feet of separation, well we need “ten” feet or better when projecting your voice in song,” he reminds me. They intend to bring back small dramas and plays before they can think about musicals. As our conversation progressed, Jim and I remembered the long gone piano bars around Old Town. Cafe Barritz - formerly Myron Mixon BBQ on North Lee Street - had a grand piano on the street level. Jim reminded me of Cafe Lafayette at 105 North Alfred Street. Back in those days they had a fire escape on the side of the building that people would use to access the second floor. “Yeah, Jim says, another example how they got a grand piano up to the second floor!” Jim’s friend, the late Pat Rohrer, PERSONALITY PROFILE > PAGE 7
Jim hard at work at Home Depot. Old Town Crier
PERSONALITY PROFILE | FROM PAGE 6
would play piano upstairs and the locals would gather to sing. I remember going there to hear the late Joan Cushing play and spin her political satire as Mrs. Foggybottom. This was back when Old Town was only 7 blocks long. “There was a great mix of professional, amateur and semi-professional singers that would gather there,” he reminds me. “A lot of those people were also involved with the Little Theatre of Alexandria and years ago there was a community theater in Old Town called the Port City Players. Back in the 80’s they performed in the old theater in Old Town which has recently been sold to Patagonia. Some of these performers had lead roles in major productions but would perform in their own community for free.” It was the same with the professional and semi-professional singers, but unfortunately, those days are gone because of the virus. Hopefully in the future, some of these venues can have the music return. In addition to his singing gigs, Jim has also been the coowner of a tour business called
VIP Cruises, Tours and Events for the past 28 years. “These were group cruises that had a theme and a common interest. They started off with some local water aerobic classes and grew into any group of people who had a common interest and we would get them group discounts. It worked out that for every fifteen paying participants we would get a free slot and would give that to the leader of the group. That expanded into several television stars of yesterday and today that somehow found out about our organization,” he tells me. They started off with five cruises with the stars for the show Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda. They did a number of these true crime shows where they hosted detectives and journalists who would bring their fans. They would have lectures with a Q&A following in addition to the normal cruise activities. From there they had television stars from yesterday that found out about the cruises, the likes of Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow from Leave it to Beaver and Dawn Wells who was Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island and many others. Even though the business
has slowed, Jim is in touch with other stars who are considering a cruise for their fans as soon as the coronavirus abates a bit. The next cruise that Jim is hoping to organize will leave from the Port of Baltimore because of its’ convenient location. In the meantime, until this small downturn in business
basically for the contractors who patronize the store. With a little bit of luck, Jim Seeley may soon be back doing what he loves... singing. I for one, hope that happens sooner than later. But whatever course life may take, Jim is ready for it. He is content and right where he wants to be.
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reverses itself, Jim has taken a position at the Home Depot store in Annandale. The store he works at is actually in the western most part of Alexandria, but so as not to get confused with the other stores in Alexandria, they call it Annandale. Jim says for folks to come see him, he is at the Pro Desk which is
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August 2020 | 7
FINANCIAL FOCUS
CARL TREVISAN, CFP© & STEPHEN BEARCE
Are You Prepared for a Financial Emergency?
M
other Nature certainly has grabbed her fair share of headlines the past few years. From blazing wildfires in California to devastating floods in the Midwest, from massive hurricanes along the coasts to sweeping tornadoes across the Plains—millions have been affected by the recent natural disasters in the U.S. including the Corona Virus. Less headline-worthy are the financial repercussions following natural disasters and the cash difficulties tens of thousands of families are dealing with as a result. These catastrophes are unavoidable— and often there’s little time to prepare before disaster strikes homes, families, and communities. With this in mind, ask yourself this question: “What’s the biggest threat to my financial stability?” Job loss likely comes to mind, perhaps followed by a serious illness or a natural disaster. But, lack of cash flow and liquidity management should make the list too—and it’s an ongoing challenge rather than an isolated event. Consider cash flow and liquidity management a tool, not a goal More than just tracking your income and spending, cash flow and liquidity management is also about planning for unexpected cash needs. Without proper planning for an emergency, you might have to round up all your available cash or liquidate a longterm investment. However, liquidating could disrupt your investment plan. For example, retirement account assets may be subject to tax penalties for taking nonqualified distributions prior to retirement. You might do better keeping those assets invested 8 | August 2020
to potentially generate a longterm return—and keeping your overall wealth strategy intact. It’s important to keep in mind that cash flow and liquidity management planning is complementary to investment planning. Not only does cash flow and liquidity management allow you the flexibility to access money in the event of an emergency, it’s a defensive tool to ensure your investment plan is well positioned and not disrupted. Here are three steps you should consider as part of a cash flow and liquidity management plan to help protect your loved ones and keep a natural disaster from becoming a financial catastrophe. Set up an emergency account. In addition to accounts where you currently keep cash assets (including checking, savings, certificates of deposit (CDs), money markets, or other cash alternatives), fund an emergency account as part of your cash flow and liquidity strategy to help protect all your assets. Set aside enough to cover three to six months of expenses (the right amount for you will depend on your risk tolerance). Keep cash on hand in case your area loses power and ATMs are out of commission. Review your short-term and longer-term payment needs. Understanding when you will need to draw on your money is key to an effective plan. Establish a strategy to cover your day-to-day expenses for funds you will need to access immediately, such as for food, clothing, medical, and transportation expenses. Your cash for short-term expenses should be very accessible, perhaps in a checking or savings account. For longer-term expenses
that reoccur on a regular basis, such as property taxes, you may wish to consider a less liquid investment, such as a CD. This type of investment typically offers a slightly higher return than a regular checking or savings account and you can manage the payout schedule to around the same time you will need the money. Generally, CDs may not be withdrawn prior to maturity. CDs are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor per insured depository institution for each account ownership category. There are other more sophisticated solutions available where appropriate to help you meet your cash flow and liquidity needs, and we suggest you discuss these with your financial advisor. Establish a line of credit for ready access to cash, and if used, pay the funds back with an appropriate source when the timing is right. Borrowing against non-retirement investments, the equity in a home, or other approaches can provide for short-term cash needs if your emergency fund does not stretch to meet all your expenses. These strategies prevent disruption to your long-term investment plan and can help keep you on track to meet your investment goals. A line of credit can also help you avoid dipping into retirement accounts too early. Depending on your situation and the type of retirement account, it may expose you to potential tax consequences. Be aware, costs and risks are associated with any borrowing decision, so it is important for you to seek good, objective guidance. Your financial advisor can help you begin the process of determining what type of line of credit option is the most suitable for you. Life brings expected
and unexpected events— an important part of every investment plan is identifying where to access cash when you need it. Talk with your financial advisor about managing your cash flow and liquidity needs. Securities-based lending has special risks and is not suitable for everyone. If the market value of a client’s pledged securities declines below required levels, the client may be required to pay down his or her line of credit or pledge additional eligible securities in order to maintain it, or the lender may require the sale of some or all of the client’s pledged securities. Wells Fargo Advisors will attempt to notify clients of maintenance calls but is not required to do so. Clients are not entitled to choose which securities in their accounts are sold. The sale of their pledged securities may cause clients to suffer adverse tax consequences. Clients should discuss the tax implications of pledging securities as collateral with their tax advisors. An increase in interest rates will affect the overall cost of borrowing. Wells Fargo Advisors and its affiliates are not tax or legal advisors. All securities and accounts are subject to eligibility requirements. Clients should read all lines of credit documents carefully. The proceeds from securitiesbased lines of credit may not be used to purchase additional securities, pay down margin, or for insurance products offered by Wells Fargo and any of its affiliates. Securities held in a retirement account cannot be used as collateral to obtain a loan. Securities purchased in the pledge account must meet collateral eligibility requirements. Lending and other banking services available through
Wells Fargo Advisors (NMLS UI 2234) are offered by banking and non-banking subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, including, but not limited to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (NMLSR ID 399801), Member FDIC, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Certain restrictions apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without advance notice. Products are not available in all states. Wells Fargo Advisors is licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions (NMLS ID 0906158). Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, holds a residential mortgage broker license in Georgia and is licensed as a residential mortgage broker (license number MB2234) in Massachusetts. This article was written by/ for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing DirectorInvestments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice PresidentInvestments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Old Town Crier
A BIT OF HISTORY
©2020 SARAH BECKER
August 28
th
57TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON
“T
he liberty attained by that soul which is converted from evil by the influence of Divine love, is the only liberty which truly deserves the name,” Quaker minister, abolitionist and Alexandria apothecary Edward Stabler wrote in 1825. “The difference between this state, which has been the happy possession of many whose bodies were in bonds,—and mere personal freedom, is so great, that the one may be designated as being of heaven, the other of the earth.” Quakers understood discrimination. In 1656 Massachusetts Bay Colony Puritans greeted the first arriving Quakers with imprisonment. More than three hundred years later civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had a dream: “Five score years ago, a great American [Abraham Lincoln], in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation [January 1, 1863]. This momentous decree came as a great beacon Old Town Crier
light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice….” “But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free,” Dr. King continued. “One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation [Jim Crow] and the chains of discrimination… [W]e have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.” “We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote,” Dr. King exclaimed. “No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Justice as defined by The Oxford American Dictionary: “fairness, a fair claim; the exercise of authority in the maintenance of right….” “When we let freedom ring,” Dr. King concluded, “when we let it ring from every state and every city, we will be able to
speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” Let us not forget women’s freedom, black and white. “It would give me new scope to write on topics proper to this age,” Stabler consociate Ralph Waldo Emerson penned in1838. “Elizabeth Hoar says, add the topic of the rights of Woman; & Margaret Fuller testifies that women are Slaves.” Fuller’s 1845 book Woman in the Nineteenth Century was the first detailed statement of feminism in America. “I need not speak of what has been done towards the Red Man, the Black Man,” Fuller wrote. “Those deeds are the scoff of the world…Though freedom and equality have been proclaimed only to leave room for a monstrous display of slave-dealing and slavekeeping…still it is not in vain that the verbal statement has
been made, ‘All men are born free and equal.’” Today’s Black Lives Matter was cofounded by women. “We subscribe to the doctrine,” might one of our Southern brethren observe, “that representation relates more immediately to persons, and taxation more immediately to property, and we join in the application of this distinction to the case of our slaves,” James Madison wrote. [Federalist Paper No. 54] “But we must deny the fact that slaves are considered merely as property, and in no respect whatever as persons. The true state of the case is that they partake of both these qualities: being considered by our laws, in some respects, as persons [3/5], and in other respects as property…This is the character bestowed on them by the laws under which they live.” George Mason vigorously opposed that portion of the 1787 Constitution which permitted the continued importation of slaves. “We became callous to the Dictates of Humanity….,” Mason wrote
Edward Stabler, apothecary and Quaker minister, 1769-1831
Quakers were among the few who opposed the slave trade. in 1773. “Taught to regard a part of our own Species in the most abject & contemptible Degree below us, we lose that Idea of the Dignity of Man….” Virginia “laid plans for gradual abolition” as early as 1777, Maryland in 1789. A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 10
August 2020 | 9
A BIT OF HISTORY | FROM PAGE 9
Quakers were among the few who opposed the slave trade. “A Mr. Warner Mifflin, one of the [Delaware] People called Quakers; active in the pursuit of the Measures laid before Congress for emancipating the Slaves… used Arguments to shew [sic] the immorality—injustice and impolicy of keeping these people in a state of Slavery,” President George Washington recorded in 1790. Congress, consistent with Article 4, Section 2 of the Constitution, passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1793. Slaves were precious, but only as accumulated property. As slaves were freed and importation denied [1808], labor shortages developed. “In the exercise of [my father’s] gift of the ministry, one great object was, to impress the minds of his hearers with the importance of examining things for themselves;—of reading over and over the leaves of their lives which were always open before them,” Quaker and Alexandria apothecary William Stabler explained. “This examination, honestly undertaken and faithfully prosecuted in that ‘light which makes manifest,’ [sh]ould result in a clear distinction between good and evil.” Evil as defined by The Oxford American Dictionary: “morally bad; wicked, heinous, hurtful. “The distressing and disgraceful circumstances of this internal traffic in the people of color in our country, is indeed a trying affair to human feeling,—especially the kidnapping part of the business,” Edward Stabler wrote in 1816. “The scandalous defect of our laws,—and the criminal inattention (to say no more) of our legislators to a subject which is making such rapid progress in the destruction of the character, the humanity, and the morals of the country—is indeed surprising.” Free black Solomon Nothrup—Twelve Years a Slave—was kidnapped in the city of Washington; processed through District of Columbia slave pens and shipped to Louisiana for sale. As of 1819 trans-Atlantic slave trading was synonymous with piracy, punishable by death. “[U]nquestionably the nature of things must change, or those who thus 10 | August 2020
NO, NO WE ARE NOT SATISFIED, AND WE WILL NOT BE SATISFIED UNTIL JUSTICE ROLLS DOWN LIKE WATERS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE A MIGHTY STREAM. ‘sow to the wind,’ will for their harvest ‘reap the whirlwind,’” Edward Stabler continued. “When all that friends of humanity can do, shall be done,—I fear that the avarice [greed] and obduracy [obstinacy] of America will force this great corrective upon them.” Hosea 8:7, King James Bible: “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal.” “The general government has indeed acted nobly in annihilating the trade to Africa for slaves;—but the same thing is carried on in our own land, and no effort is made to deprive it of even its most horrid features,” Stabler said. “[E]very idea I can form of justice, of mercy, of righteousness, and even of consistency of character;— is violated by the monstrous spectacle of laws…which recognize the spirit of avarice in one man…as paramount to all the tender ties and invaluable interests of conjugal, parental, filial, and fraternal love in another. “When I contemplate again the laws which govern the universe (and practically determine the effects which result from the causes)…the utmost violence must be done to my understanding, before it can appear otherwise than impossible that anything but distress and increasing calamity can arise from such a state of things,” Stabler concluded in 1826. On August 28, on the 57th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic March on Washington, the National Action Network will launch an updated March, the ‘Get Off our Necks’ March on
Washington. Why? The country still reels from black Minnesotan George Floyd’s homicidal death. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and three other officers await trial. All participants must wear face masks: practice social distancing. Police race-related tactics have been a hot topic since at least 1895; the start of the Confederate Lost Cause and Plessy v. Ferguson [1896]. “The lessons that negroes make a bad use of liberty is taught daily in the police court of this and all other cities in which they are numerous,” the Alexandria Gazette wrote in 1895. “Nearly all the cases before such courts are those of negroes, the parties to which are either sent to jail or the work house, put on the chain gang, or impoverished by fines. Before the Negroes were freed it was a rarity for one of them to be arrested,” the Alexandria Gazette explained. Arrests were 53.4% black in 2019. Mississippi was the first southern state to formalize the Black Code—on November 24, 1865. The State’s Black Code forbid negroes to testify against whites; to serve on juries, bear arms, or hold large meetings. Unemployed blacks could be arrested for vagrancy. On March 5, 1867, Virginia discounted 1,000 black votes. The Commonwealth was readmitted to the Union in 1870, after accepting the 15th Amendment. “Right-minded men would very easily bring order out of our American chaos, if working with courage, & without by-ends,” Emerson said in 1864. “Absolute Emancipation establishes the fact that the United States henceforth knows no color, no
race, in its law, but legislates for all alike—one law for all men.” “Morals is the test,” Emerson continued in 1865, “and it is only very lately that our own Churches, formerly silent on slavery & notoriously hostile to Abolitionists, wheeled into line for Emancipation.” “[W]e have come [to the Lincoln Memorial] to cash a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice,” Dr. King explained in 1963. “We have also come to… remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to…take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism…Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice…The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges. [Until then] we must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.” Nahum 1:3, King James Bible: “The Lord [God] is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not acquit the wicked: [he] hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm….” “America has suffered from…rhetoric that fans discontents into hatreds; from bombastic rhetoric that postures instead of persuading,” President and Quaker Richard Nixon [RCA] said on January 20, 1969. “To go forward at all is to go forward together. This means black and white together, as one nation, not two. The [civil rights] laws have caught up with our conscience. What remains is to give life to what is in the law; to ensure at last that as all are born equal in dignity before God, all are
born equal to dignity before man.” How does today’s America— men and women, the different races—define justice, equal justice; national unity and the complex whole? President Nixon declared “The First Americans—the Indians—the most deprived, most isolated minority group” in 1970. As a Senator he sponsored a 1951 resolution in support of Quaker Alice Paul’s original Equal Rights Amendment. Concluded Vice President Nixon in 1960, candidate Nixon in 1968: “The task of achieving Constitutional equality between the sexes still is not completed.” Neither it seems is the task of achieving justice. Especially the July 4th killing of 11 year-old southeast District resident Davon McNeal, a black child caught in the crossfire of neighborhood gun violence. Sarah Becker started writing for The Economist while a graduate student in England. Similar publications followed. She joined the Crier in 1996 while serving on the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board. Her interest in antiquities began as a World Bank hire, with Indonesia’s need to generate hard currency. Balinese history, i.e. tourism provided the means. The New York Times describes Becker’s book, Off Your Duffs & Up the Assets, as “a blueprint for thousands of nonprofit managers.” A former museum director, SLAM’s saving grace Sarah received Alexandria’s Salute to Women Award in 2007. Email: abitofhistory53@ gmail.com Old Town Crier
THE LAST WORD
MIRIAM R. KRAMER
Books for an Uncertain Summer
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n looking ahead to this summer, no one was able to predict how their vacation plans might change when faced with furlough, joblessness, or simply cancellations. Our worldwide pandemic has altered most of our behaviors and postponed many of our goals. We protect ourselves as best we can while creating Plan B. In the meantime, books are more important than ever. Whether they provide escape or enlightenment, they are invaluable friends that shed light on the human condition. As usual in August, I review a grab bag of books for vacations and staycations, such as Lucy Foley’s The Guest List, Victoria Schwab’s YA (Young Adult) duology This Savage Song and Our Dark Duet, and finally, the bestselling exposé, Too Much and Never Enough, by Mary Trump about her uncle and current president of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Lucy Foley has created a tautly planned thriller in The Guest List. Magazine editor Jules Keegan and reality TV star Will Slater have planned a wedding on a remote, wind lashed island off the coast of Ireland. Jules controls the ceremony down to the last detail with the help of Aoife, the wedding planner. As Aoife notes, “Life is messy.... You can’t control more than a single day. But you can control one of them.” Even this idea proves an illusion when the wedding goes terribly wrong.
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Foley switches back and forth between her point-of-view characters: the bride, the bridesmaid, the best man, the wedding planner, and the plus-one wife. Interspersed are snippets from the wedding day and night, as she builds to a crescendo of disaster when the guests’ secrets are revealed. While Foley follows the formula she created with her novel The Hunting Party, about a New Year’s Eve bash in a remote location, The Guest List is more coherent. Gradually layers of deceit are peeled away and the plot veers in an unexpected direction. It dovetails neatly and ties up all loose ends with its grand finale. If you’re looking for a beach or airplane read, whether you’re on a beach or an airplane, this book will fit your needs. Victoria Schwab alternates between fantasy for adults, which she writes under the name V.E. Schwab, and young adults. Often there is little difference between her two approaches. In her duology of This Savage Song and Our Dark Duet, she presents an alternate America in which monsters roam the streets of Verity, V-City, one of the guarded cities that include Temperance, Fortune, and Prosperity. In between Verity and Prosperity, for example, is the Waste where a scanty number of vagabonds and monsters roam. The gritty metropolis of Verity is split by the Seam into North City and South City. In North City, the cold and cynical Callum Harker controls and even
creates monsters, while Henry Flynn, a former surgeon, leads a task force of soldiers who battle the violence perpetuated by monsters sneaking across the Seam. When Harker’s daughter, Kate, is expelled from yet another distant boarding school, she achieves her goal of living with her father and heads to V-City’s local Colton Academy. There she meets a monster masquerading as a human, August Flynn, member of the Flynn Task Force, who battles the monsters that creep across the seam to ravage North City. August is a Sunai, a rare monster meant to take vengeance against sinners, killing evil humans and the Malchai and Corsai, the other monster breeds. When Kate and August form an unusual bond despite their official positions as enemies, they start creating a way to handle V-City’s monsters and heal the city.
Schwab creates flawed, powerful heroes and heroines within this post-apocalyptic fantasy genre. She keeps suspense alive and still makes her characters relatable to a teenage or adult audience longing for independent and fierce characters. I recommend her other fantasy series as well. Aimed at adults, her Shades of Magic series includes the books A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. Portraying a fantasy world based on four alternate Londons in the 18th century, these books are cynical and hopeful by turns. Mary L. Trump, the niece of Donald J. Trump, has a PhD from the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, which she has used to analyze her terribly dysfunctional family. Her book Too Much and Never Enough smashed Simon &
Schuster’s record for first-day sales last month with almost a million copies sold. By now you probably feel as if you know it by heart it from hearing analyses in print and on television. I recommend reading it anyways. Her tell-all is slim and pointed. Although short, it is not remotely bite-sized. It sheds much-needed light on the president’s origins and attitudes. I found myself stopping at certain places to absorb her devastating insights, while reading more quickly through the family stories that illustrated them. Mary L. Trump’s grandfather, the patriarch of the family, Fred Trump, is revealed as a psychologically THE LAST WORD > PAGE 13
August 2020 | 11
HIGH NOTES
RON POWERS
WHAT’S ON THE TV? By Blackaby
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very now and then I like to do a musical deep dive and scour the internet for hardly-heard-of gems written by obscure musicians that I think deserve more ears to please. This month I’m bringing you a lovely two minute and eight second treat by a talented London based act called Blackaby. The name of the tune is “What’s On The TV?”. It’s Blackaby’s third song released to digital platforms and, in my opinion, their best. This song has an upbeat and charming vibe reminiscent of 80s new wave and dream pop with some early 2000s garage rock thrown in. I appreciate its easy breezy melody delivery contrasted against gritty yet dreamy guitars and drums. “What’s On The TV?” is a multidimensional song which delivers a chill, exciting, and smart feeling all at once. Singer/ songwriter William Blackaby says, “It’s a silly song about funny moments, sad moments, and uncertain love.” The production quality of “What’s On The TV?” is wonderfully imperfect. It sports a gnarly bed of analog floor noise under the mix and guitars that were played through 12 | August 2020
REAL amps in a REAL room. I had such a nice time listening to this charming little song. Although I enjoy any well written tune, it’s becoming more and more difficult to come by new music that doesn’t sound like it’s been laser sculpted by computers. This is part of why “What’s On The TV?” is a refreshing rarity on a musical landscape that is sounding less and less human all the time. The lyrics for this song make little attempt to be showy or profound. Instead Blackaby has chosen to highlight a bit of the humdrum side of existence. It’s this glorification of the everyday that gives Blackaby a bit of punk rock credibility. The lines “is there milk in the fridge” and “is the bathroom pretty clean” put a shine on the day to day slog like only rock and roll can. Also, the line “And I’m wondering if you’re still in love with me” gives expression to the quiet fears all of us have felt in relationships. The musical arrangement for “What’s On The TV?” begins with a grungy rhythm guitar banging away on a single chord. Then we hear a loose and fuzzy bass guitar and snappy overdriven drums join the party.
This arrangement is topped off with an incredibly catchy lead vocal which has a lovely doubled sound with slap back echo and reverb. The vocal is processed further with a thick distortion giving it a full-bodied sound all without losing definition. Blackaby also add a charming female harmony which lends a lovely feminine touch to an otherwise masculine sounding song. There is not a single dull moment in this song. Songwriter William Blackaby says, “It’s short so you don’t get bored.” I was certainly not board listening to “What’s On The TV?”. I must have replayed it ten times when I first discovered it. If you’d like to learn more about Blackaby you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you’d like to hear more of their music you can find it on Spotify Apple Music, YouTube and most platforms digital music is streamed or sold. Ron Powers is an independent A&R Specialist and music industry consultant who is constantly searching for, discovering and writing about new talent. Old Town Crier
THE LAST WORD | FROM PAGE 11
sadistic sociopath, someone who ignored his wife and children’s needs. As a successful builder, he used hyperbole to describe himself as “great,” “fantastic,” and other aggrandizing adjectives while worming his way into the good graces of politicians and government officials to earn tax dollars for building developments. His own home in Queens, simply called “The House,” by his family, was a breeding ground for psychological dysfunction and cruelty. A workaholic builder and building manager in New York City’s outer boroughs, he used humiliation as a tool to promote obedience among his children: Maryanne, Fred Jr., Elizabeth, Donald, and Robert. Despising his young children‘s needs as weakness, he created a terrified family constantly seeking his approval while never getting it. In the process, he warped them to inculcate his values. They included the overwhelming importance of making money, projecting wealth, and winning at all costs. He wanted his children to be tough and invincible. Mary MacLeod Trump, the often-ill matriarch of the family, was a self-centered, cold woman who was frequently hospitalized during the children’s early years and beyond. Therefore, they had no one to turn to who would validate their needs and allow them to show vulnerability. It was everyone for himself or herself within the household. Mary L. Trump focuses frequently on how her father, Freddie, disappointed his father as the oldest son. Fred Trump wanted someone to continue the business successfully, and Freddie was not a businessman. Fred humiliated her father over and over as Freddie tried to become his own man, working as a pilot and hoping to break free of the family orbit. Freddie drank enough to sabotage his own chances of remaining a pilot and went back to work for his father, who took him back reluctantly and gave him little to do. He constantly sought his father’s affection and acceptance, always coming up empty and drinking his pain away. Freddie eventually died early at age 42. By that time his father had set his sights Old Town Crier
on his critical, cruel bully of a son, Donald, as his true heir and the inheritor of his empire. Mary Trump reveals how Donald constantly failed upwards. His father bankrolled his endeavors as Donald’s knack for publicity took the Trumps’ business into Manhattan. Fred saw his son Donald as his ticket to glitz, prestige, and useful contacts beyond the boroughs. As Donald plowed his father’s and various banks’ money into his doomed Atlantic City casinos, he lived a consequence-free, sequestered environment in which he could do whatever he wanted, surrounded by more competent people who did his work while he took the credit. He had learned early on that his emotional needs would never be met, and that his father would only accept and approve a tough façade and a vindictive nature. His self-deluding opinion that anything he did was “amazing” and “the best,” probably copied from his father, helped cover up his deep-seated fear of failure, insecurity, and desperate need for affirmation. As Mary L. Trump points out, any compliment he receives disappears into a black hole after he receives its instant gratification. His overpowering thirst for recognition is endless, which makes him easy prey for more powerful and intelligent government and world leaders to manipulate to their own ends. Throughout the book, Mary L. Trump actually shows compassion for him and all her family members in considering the atmosphere in which they all grew up, without excusing their behavior. When Donald and his siblings committed tax fraud, along with cheating Mary and her brother Fritz out of any reasonable inheritance from their grandfather, they were doing what they had been taught to do: take advantage of those who were powerless, value them based on their current financial standing, and break any laws necessary to achieve their ends. When Mary and Fritz brought a lawsuit against their aunts and uncles, they canceled the siblings’ health insurance, which also covered Fritz’s sick little boy’s roundthe-clock medical care. This type of cruelty was straight out of Fred Trump, Senior’s playbook.
It is evident to many White House watchers that the president, a cultivated sociopath groomed by his father, surrounds himself with yes people, sycophants, and criminals who can do at least some of his dirty business for him. Those who do not comply swiftly with his needs fall out of favor. Fired, they disappear into the swiftly revolving door of his staffers, who come and go based on their perceived usefulness and loyalty. As a clinical psychologist, Mary L. Trump tells a wellwritten, compelling, and surprisingly detached story of how the president stopped evolving as a human being within the context of her family’s pathologies. She believes him incapable of change. After almost four years of watching him, many of us agree. We face an uncertain fall, hoping that Donald J. Trump will either resign or be voted out in November to prevent his malignant narcissism and incompetence from further undermining American democracy. While 2020 has proven difficult and unpredictable so far, there is always the shining hope that we will see this silver lining when the election rolls around.
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TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com LaTrattoria 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St. Two Nineteen 703.549.1141 219 King St. Village Brauhaus 710 King St. 703-888-1951 These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.
August 2020 | 13
GALLERY BEAT
F. LENNOX CAMPELLO
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: AISLING by Amanda Rose Spain
WONDER WOMAN by Larry Caveney MEDUSA by Dorota Quiroz BEARD by Jody Mussoff DAVE by Sharon Wolpoff
These 10 Caught My Eye!
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s I’ve discussed before, the Covidian Age has severely disrupted all facets of planetary life, and as I’ve also noted before, my main worry now is my concern about the number of lives which will be lost because of COVID-19, not just from COVID-19. Same goes for planetary daily affairs; will art galleries, already a precarious business model, ever return in full force? Will art fairs, the money-making king of the art commodity business, ever see thousands of people return to its spaces? I don’t know, but what I do know, is that an online 14 | August 2020
presence will help, not replace, the presentation and commodification of art. One of the earliest efforts in this process was a seminal idea by DMV area photographer Jason Horowitz. A few months ago Jason conceived the idea of creating a Facebook online community to gather artists and collectors and try – at no cost to the artists – to sell artwork. And together with Leslie Holt, they have established a significant footprint online. That community lives online at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/218175095938069/ and in a very short span has gathered almost 2,000 members and made some sales (I’ve sold several pieces). My good bud Louis Jacobson, one of the DMV’s most visible art critics (he has been writing about art for decades at The Washington City Paper) noticed and in a
piece for the City Paper noted that “… the group, founded by Arlington-based photographer Jason Horowitz and managed by Leslie Holt, co-director of Red Dirt Studio in Hyattsville, offers artists a place to network and sell their wares. “I started the group out of a sense of personal isolation,” Horowitz says. “Many artists in the area and all around the country are essentially out of work. Some artists are locked out of their group studios but still expected to pay rent. Many artists are freelancers with little or no health insurance.” Some artists are using the site directly to sell their work, while others are posting links to their websites or to other outlets such as Etsy. Horowitz’s hope for the group is to create “a community of supporters and artists that mutually reinforce each other.” Because there are almost 2,000 members, it is almost impossible to pick 10 artists to
highlight from that enormous sample… but not quite impossible! In 2006 I reviewed about 65,000 slides (remember slides?) and another few thousand digital files in order to select about 60 artists for the Washington Project for the Arts (then at the Corcoran) seven-gallery exhibition which I titled “Seven.” Thus, I come well-trained – but it is still unfair and hard to the 1,990 or so artists who won’t get mentioned – and then again a maxim for any artist is to develop a thick skin. Which 10 artists have caught my eye?
Long time DMV artistic iconic presence Jody Mussoff is one of them. She is a gifted artist with a vivid imagination and almost unnatural abilities to tell a story via a visual representation – her skill with colored pencils is spectacular! In “Beard” (a 2020 colored pencil drawing) she explodes the somewhat remoteness of the subject with a riot of imagery that really triggers the mind to ask questions about what the drawing is trying to deliver. Amanda Rose Spaid has been GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 15
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GALLERY BEAT | FROM PAGE 14
posting a series of fascinating, mysterious, sensual portraits of women, painted and/or drawn in Birdseye maple wood, and which are unlike anything else I’ve seen anywhere. Just like Jody’s work, the subject goes beyond just portraiture and invades the mind as something more mysterious and even erotic. In “Aisling”, the image begins to move onto the regions of Celtic goddess imagery… or are we looking at Daphne’s transformation into a Laurel tree? Aisling is an Irish word for dream vision, which the artwork effectively delivers! Now that I’ve started wandering down the moist halls of eroticism, let me highlight the paintings of Jennifer Kahn Barlow (who needs to stop signing her work with initials and not be afraid to develop a good full signature that does not detract from her formidable painting skills). The works by this artist that I see online are ordinary subjects (fruits, burgers, etc.) which her brush transforms from the common to the sensually sublime. “Sumo Citrus” is a perfect example of how sometimes – not always – technical skill triumphs over subject matter. Another master painter is Gregory Ferrand, who shows with my good friend Adah Rose at her hard-working gallery of the same name in Kensington. Ferrand has developed an unique style, which when combined with his refined painting abilities allow him to be a superb narrative painter. His multi diptych series “Because If You Don’t, You Just Might Cry”, of which diptych “9” and “10” are great examples, showcase his ability to deliver emotion via his brush. What Ferrand can deliver with stylized precision, Larry Caveney can also deliver with
a sophisticated combination of what I can best describe as representational action painting! His subjects appear appropriated from that never ending supply of artistic ideas: the comics! His paintings of Popeye and of Wonder Woman are really excellent, and because of the frenetic painting style, packing with movement and action. Glen Kessler can see colors and shapes in a landscape that the rest of us wish we could. He is also a compositional genius and a brush black belt of the 9th degree! A great example of these skills is “Fence at Waredaca Brewery”, a small 7x11 painting with the punch to the solar plexus of the mind of a mural! Bryan Jernigan is my other fave landscape painter in this crowd – his work is a fantastic riot of color! Jernigan disguises his affinity for putting color on canvas in the context of landscape. But what he delivers is something that everyone who paints – at one time or another – struggles with: let the color describe and represent the image, not the other way around! A few paragraphs ago I was writing out loud about sensual portraiture, and now Dorota Quiroz brings me back to the theme. The subject of her painting drips a carnal sensuality in almost every one of her pieces (which I think are charcoal and white conte), most of which are representations of Medusa. The marriage of the model’s natural arousing appearance with Medusa’s living hair are a natural combination for intelligent erotica. Sandra Perez-Ramos channels her Caribbean upbringing in her accomplished works. Her artistic pedigree is evident in her gifted use of color and form to deliver highly stylized imagery, which over the years
has grown into one of the hardest achievements in the art world: a completely distinct style and ritual. This is what the marriage of color and form can deliver in the hands of a consummate professional and gifted artist. Sharon Wolpoff is a fantastic painter’s painter. And if that art school description is not trite enough for some, I’m about to become heavy handed and use her painting titled “Dave” as an example. You see, “Dave” is a painting of a commercial painter painting a building, him atop a ladder and his brush distributing warm yellow paint just above a window. Being the wizard that she is, Wolpoff craftily “hides” a wonderful abstract painting in what otherwise would be an ordinary window in this yellow wall. Or is it a window? That’s 10! I skipped dozens and dozens of great talent
ART&ANTIQUES ANTIQUES Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques 112 N. Columbus Street BW Art, Antiques & Collectibles 108 N. Fayette Street Imperfections Antiques 1210 King Street The Antique Guild 113 N. Fairfax Street Silverman Galleries 110 N. St. Asaph Street Red Barn Mercantile 1117 King Street Washington Square Antiques 425 S. Washington Street Susquehanna Antique Co. 608 Cameron Street Old Town Antiques 222 S. Washington Street Verdigris Vintage 1215 King Street Cavalier Antiques 400 Prince Street Sumpter Priddy III 323 S. Washington Street Henry Street Antiques
is easily the public’s favorite in this talented crowd), and many others, such as the photographer in this group who has taken eggs and elevated them to a breath taking beauty that no hen ever dreamed of! His name is Jack Rosenberg.
in this piece, and didn’t mention Tim Tate, Scott G. Brooks (whose “The Lizard People Arrive in the New World” is perhaps one of his greatest paintings… ever!), Michelle Banks, Cory Oberndorfer, Dianne Stewart (her “Forbearance” painting
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115 S. Henry Street Curzon Hill Antiques 108 S. Columbus Street The Hour 1015 King Street A Galerie 315 Cameron Street Random Harvest 810 King Street Acme Mid-Century + Modern 128 S. Royal Street Van Bommel Antiek Hous 1007 King Street Lloyd’s Row 119 S. Henry Street
GALLERIES Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street Principle Gallery 208 King Street Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery 105 N. Union Street St. George Gallery 105 N. Alfred Street The Art League 105 Union Street Local Colour Old Town 218 N. Lee Street
Icon Galleria 101 N. Union Street B&B Art Gallery 215 King Street Gallery West 1213 King Street Enamelist’s Gallery 105 N. Union Street Printmakers, Inc. 105 N. Union Street Kelly’s Art & Frame 510 N. Washington Street Oerth Gallery 420 S. Washington Street Jeffrey Winter Fine Arts 110A S. Columbus Street Johnston Matthew 105 N. Union Street Huddy Studio 105 N. Union Street Mezzanine Multiples 105 N. Union Street Silverman Galleries 110 N. St. Asaph Street Cochran David 105 N. Union Street Betty Grisham Studio 105 N. Union Street Imagine Artwear 112 King Street
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August 2020 | 15
URBAN GARDEN
MELINDA MYERS
A
Wooden orchard racks maximize storage space, while allowing air to reach each layer of produce.
16 | August 2020
ll your hard work is paying off with a bountiful harvest. Fresh produce is filling your garden, countertops, and refrigerator while the garden keeps producing more. Preserve some of your harvest to enjoy throughout the winter with some tried-and-true or updated variation of food preservation techniques. Hanging bundles of herbs to dry is a longtime practice that works. Harvest herbs in the morning just after the dew has dried off the leaves. Rinse, allow them to dry, and remove any damaged or dried leaves. Gather the dry herbs into small bundles and secure with a rubber band. Use a spring-type clothespin to hang the bundles from a clothesline or hanger in a warm, dry, airy place out of direct sunlight. A modern twist on this tradition is the space-saving Stack!t Herb Drying Rack (gardeners.com) hung from the ceiling. You will be able to dry large quantities of herbs in any narrow, out-of-the-way space. Extend the life, flavor, and nutritional value of squash with proper harvesting and storage. Only store blemish- and damagefree fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of mold and decay developing during storage. Harvest zucchini when the fruit is six to eight inches long and scalloped squash when three to six inches in diameter. Store these in a plastic bag inside the vegetable crisper drawer in your refrigerator for several days. Wait to harvest winter squash when the fruit is full-sized, and the rinds are firm and glossy. The portion touching the ground turns from cream to orange when the fruit is ripe. Use a pruner to harvest the fruit, leaving a one-inch stem on each fruit. Cure all winter squash, except for acorn, in a warm, humid location. Then move to a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to store for several months. In the past, gardeners
Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company
URBAN GARDEN > PAGE 17
Old Town Crier
URBAN GARDEN | FROM PAGE 16
stored these, potatoes, onions, and fruit in wooden racks that maximized storage space and allowed air to reach each layer of produce. An updated version, Gardener’s Supply Orchard Rack, adds convenient drawers to this traditional storage system. Boost your cabbage harvest with this trick. Remove firm full-sized heads but leave the lower ring of leaves and roots intact. The plant will form several smaller heads. Harvest cucumbers based on how you plan to use them. Pick the fruit when it is 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches long if you plan on
making sweet pickles. Allow the cucumbers to grow a bit bigger, three to four inches, if dill pickles are on the menu. Harvest those for slicing when the skin is firm, bright green and the fruit is six to nine inches long. Turn a portion of your harvest into something delicious. Fermentation is a relatively easy preservation technique used for thousands of years. Preserve some of your cucumbers as pickles, cabbage as sauerkraut, and berries as preserves with fermentation. Store fermented fruits and vegetables in a
cool, dark place or extend their shelf life by canning the finished product. For most projects, you just need the fruit or vegetables, water, salt, and spices. The desired ingredients are placed in a covered vessel, like Gardener’s Supply Fermentation Crock. Weights are used to keep the fruit and vegetables submerged in water throughout the fermentation process. If your garden is still producing when frost is in the forecast, extend the harvest season. Cold frames and cloches are tried-and-
true techniques used for extending the growing season. A modern method employs floating row covers. These spun fabrics allow air, light, and water through while protecting plants from frosty conditions. Cover the plantings and anchor the fabric in place. Lift to harvest and enjoy several more weeks and even months of gardenfresh produce. Select the storage and preservation methods that work best for your garden produce, growing location, and lifestyle. Once you enjoy homegrown produce in winter
meals, you will start growing more produce to eat fresh, share and preserve. Melinda Myers is the author of numerous gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardeners Supply for her expertise to write this article. Her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE • WASH YOUR HANDS THROW PROTECTIVE ITEMS AWAY IN THE TRASH YOURSELF! AND PLEASE... WEAR THAT MASK!
Old Town Crier
August 2020 | 17
TAKE PHOTOS, LEAVE FOOTPRINTS
SCOTT DICKEN
Photos: Scott Dicken
Part 1 – Budget Holidays and Safaris
I
often get asked by friends and family what my top choices would be for a first-time traveler to Africa and to be honest I find it a massively daunting question. Not least is Africa a huge continent; but people’s expectations of the ‘Africa experience’, their propensity for luxury vs. budget and their general travel styles vary so greatly. That said, and having been lucky enough to sample a mere 22 of the 54 fully recognized countries that comprise the African continent, I enjoy the challenge and excitement of planning trips to Africa and often plan trips just to add to my ‘future trips’ list. With that in mind I decided to put together a go-to list of my preferred destinations, by category, for first-time visitors. This month I focus on budget destinations and Big-Game safaris.
Budget Travelers South Africa: There is no getting away from the fact that most people travel to Africa for safari; and that safari can be eye-wateringly expensive. South Africa is one of the few places where you can get a full safari experience (including a decent level of luxury) at a ‘reasonable price’. However, it’s important to consider that there are some drawbacks to the cheaper prices and greater ‘accessibility’. Most notably, it means SA attracts more people. If you’re looking for a true wilderness safari experience then South Africa might not quench that thirst. In some areas (including Kruger National Park), SA leaves me feeling a little ‘Disney-fied’. On the positive side, you’ll get the big 5 (i.e. lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, water buffalo) at a lower cost and can experience a multitude of other highlights and landmarks (Cape Town, beaches, the Drakensburg Mountains, Wine Country) that other African countries simply can’t offer. Namibia: Namibia, like South Africa, is another place where you can afford to splash out on a decent level of luxury without breaking the bank; particularly if you are going to self-drive and aren’t paying the premium of a tour operator. In “shoulder season” between wet 18 | August 2020
and dry, lodge prices are particularly reasonable and plentiful - making selfbooking very easy online and per night costs in allinclusive lodge including game drives and activities can be found for the same price as an average per night cost in a 4 start European hotel. Government run lodges (operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) also offer great value. If staying in an NWR resort in Etosha National Park, you’ll be inside the reserve itself overnight and have the chance to view wildlife in the resort’s unique floodlit waterholes. Overlanding: As a first-time Africa traveler and a budget traveler, I think the single best option is to book an overland trip. The fact that you’ll be camping adds a spirit of adventure whilst vastly lowering the costs, and you’ll potentially get to see more than one country. If I had to recommend one overland trip for a first-timer I would suggest overlanding between Livingstone, Zambia and Windhoek, Namibia through Botswana. This route will include Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park (offering water and landbased safari and one of the greatest elephant sighting opportunities anywhere on earth) and the Okavango Delta (with the chance to mokoro (i.e. local canoe) in to the delta and sleep in a wild camp for a few days. Add a couple of days on each end (in Livingstone and Windhoek) so that you can microlight over Victoria Falls in Livingstone and join a guided tour to see DeadVlei in Namibia.
Big Game Viewing Zambia: My favourite safari destination in Africa is undoubtedly South Luangwa National Park in the Eastern Province of Zambia. I’ll admit, if you’re going to drive there (or get driven there) instead of shelling out for the journey in a light aircraft, then it’s an arduous journey. But it’s well worth it for some of the best wildlife experiences I’ve ever had and in a park that receives only a tiny portion of the tourists that the more famous African Parks (Kruger, Serengeti, Maasai Mara) receive. If you’re fortunate enough to stay at the Mfuwe Lodge inside the park then you may also be lucky enough (if the mangoes are ripe) to
witness herds of elephants traipsing through the lodge’s reception (literally through the middle of the building) to get to the mango trees. Once you’ve visited South Luangwa then take the trip to the North of the country and spend a few days in Livingstone visiting Victoria Falls and experiencing the huge host of activities they have in the surrounding area. Botswana: With both Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta within its borders it would be impossible to leave Botswana off the list. Both parks also offer a unique water-based safari experience that can be offered barely anywhere else. In Chobe you could choose to safari by houseboat whilst in Okavango you could mokoro (which is a hollowed out tree stump formed in to a canoe of sorts) hours out in to the delta and then wild camp (including digging your own toilet) for a few days taking walking and mokoro safaris with an armed guide. The latter also means you’ll have great experiences like being woken in the middle of the night by alarmed guards who thought a hippo had entered our camp but it turned out to be a zebra. Much more effective than caffeine! Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda: Kenya is probably the place most first-time Africa visitors think of when they decide they want to go on safari; and undoubtedly the likes of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha offer spectacular safari options. However, over the last few years Kenya has dropped down my list because of the soaring costs to safari there. However, one way to avoid some of these costs is to visit Kenya on an overland tour. One of my favorite overland tours (other than the Zambia, Botswana, Namibia one I mentioned above) was from Kenya, into Uganda and finishing in Kigali, Rwanda. This provides the opportunity to visit the Masai Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha whilst also visiting Jinja (Uganda) to raft the Nile and then Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) to visit the mountain gorillas (which Old Town Crier
honestly, is one of my best life experiences; so much so that I went back a second time). Just be aware that the cost of obtaining a gorilla tracking permit has soared in recent years, so make sure that whatever tour operator you use has included that cost in the trip price. Tanzania: Tanzania is another destination where prices have soared a little, but it’s hard to avoid recommending the safaris on option in the Serengeti (especially for the Wildebeest migration), Ngorongoro Old Town Crier
Clockwise, from top: Self-Driving through Namibia is possible even possible for the first-timer. Mokoro trips through the Okavango Delta in Botswana are magical. A Few days on the beaches of Zanzibar is a perfect way to end a trip to Tanzania. Tracking gorillas is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Zambia’s South Luangwa offer some the World’s best safari. Background Image: Deadvlei in Namibia.
Crater, and Selous National Park. There are a whole host of other parks and private reserves in Tanzania, but these three are the true ‘big 5’ parks and many of the others don’t have rhino. Obviously, the presence of the Big 5 brings more people which drives up prices, so you may want to make tradeoffs if rhino aren’t at the top of your mustsee list or you’re more of a big-cat fan. The other great thing about Tanzania is that you can tag on a trip to Zanzibar at the end of the trip to unwind and relax on some of the best beaches anywhere in the world!
Tune in next month for part two of this article focused on Africa travelers in search of high adrenaline activities and cultural experiences. For more travel related inspiration, make sure to check out the TakePhotosLeaveFootprints.com website. You will find helpful hints, tips and destination inspiration for your next trip! August 2020 | 19
POINTS ON PETS
ANGELA JUNE OHM
Gillian and Josephine
The Joys of Adopting a “Hard to Adopt” Pet
T
his title doesn’t refer to show breeds: it refers to those pets who seemingly nobody wants. Who languish in foster homes and shelters while younger pets, healthier pets, and those who just plain “show better” metaphorically fly off the shelf. According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized yearly (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats). If you adopt a senior or special needs pet, you can help them escape this cruel fate and will get in return a pet that truly appreciates you. I grew up on a farm in Arkansas with cats, dogs, horses, you name it, but never had experience with a pet that was considered hard to adopt. That changed two years ago when I adopted two “What About Me?” cats from King Street Cats (KSC) in Alexandria, Virginia. Gillian 20 | August 2020
and Josephine had creamcolored hair, golden eyes, and a heartbreaking bio. It detailed the difficult life that both had survived together— they were in a hoarding house with 100 cats in Baltimore, both had been food-deprived, and it was suspected that Josephine had been physically abused. Our first meeting initially didn’t go well. Gillian ignored me and Josephine hissed at me for an hour and a half. Finally, she relented and let me pet her trembling little head. With that show of trust, I knew we would be alright. KSC advised me to keep them in one room of my home for several days to get used to the smells and sounds of a new place and continued be a resource as the girls and I became a family. Gillian was willing to come out from hiding under the couch first and showed Josephine that I could be trusted. Now
Josephine, who would barely tolerate touch, is eager for head scratches and belly rubs (even kisses). Adopting Gillian and Josephine has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I talked to several local experts who work with similar animals to learn what they do and what they advise people who are looking to adopt these special pets. Viven Bacon, board member of KSC, which runs off private donations, says that during normal times a cat could be in and out as quickly as a week; however, some have stayed as long as four years. In 2010, KSC decided to create a campaign to highlight cats who had been in the shelter for a while due to their age, health issues, or simply because they are too shy, called “What About Me?”. Melissa Murphy,
also with KSC, says that the campaign finds 80-90% of those featured homes and has been approached by other rescue groups for ideas on how to do something similar. Both say they have not found that “What About Me Cats?” are more likely than others to be returned to the shelter. Those that do not find homes stay with KSC so, in a sense, they all get adopted. KSC takes special cats from other shelters. For example, cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH or “wobbly cat syndrome”) are sweetnatured cats, but they have a problem with cages physically, so they can better show off their precious nature to potential adopters in the freerange facility. They also take FIV+ cats and educate people on how adoptable these cats really are. According to the POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 21
Old Town Crier
POINTS ON PETS | FROM PAGE 20
folks at KSC, not everyone wants the same traits in a cat, so even if a cat has some difficulties, they still have what someone out there needs in a pet. A good tip KSC gave me was to try a vet who makes home visits. Dr. Juan Villar, with Home Veterinary Care Northern Virginia, has treated pets that come from “normal” backgrounds and those that took a bit longer to find their forever home. He says that getting to know your pet is important regardless of the situation they come from. “Spend time with your pet and know their ins and outs. Communication is key. For dogs, training is advisable.” According to Dr. Villar, pet guardians who take hard
to adopt pets usually have a wonderful experience, especially if they make the time to ensure that the placement is a good match by learning about the animal beforehand and spending time with it. Ellen Carozza, President of the Arlington-based Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation agrees: “people need to understand that a lot of these cats that really do need rescuing really do give back. They could be the pet you’ve been looking for. You just need to give them the opportunity to shine. What you see in a cubicle behind bars does not reflect the cat. Talk to the people who care for them and they can tell you about their personality.” Her foundation helps foster
at-risk kittens with veterinary and adoption services. They run off charitable contributions to nurse back to health kittens who most likely would have been euthanized otherwise. Like KSC, they utilize a network of fosters to socialize these special pets and get them adoption ready. All agree that the main trait that adopters of these special pets need to have is patience. That certainly was the experience I’ve had with Gillian and Josephine. It took
a little time, but they are my shadows now and greet me at the door when I come home. They are well-behaved and loving! In addition to the organizations mentioned here, many throughout the country help these special animals find a forever home. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary headquartered in Utah takes in dogs, cats, horses, etc. There are even various “Seniors for Seniors” adoption programs where seniors
humans can find a senior animal companion. If you are interested in a special animal there are lots of options, so please consider them the next time you adopt. You’ll be giving a truly deserving soul a home and adding an endless amount of love to your home. Angela June Ohm lives in Arlington with her two rescue cats Gillian, a domestic shorthair with precious fangs, and Josephine, a Norwegian Forest Cat.
Sources: https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelterintake-and-surrender/pet-statistics https://www.kingstreetcats.org/ https://bestfriends.org/ http://www.kittydreams.org/
PETS
OF THE MONTH
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Valley Boy recently reached his 100th day with the AWLA and celebrated in all of his favorite ways. His foster caregiver put up festive decorations, and Valley Boy loved greeting his visitors through the ribbon frame that decorated the outside of his tank. He spent some time basking by his favorite window and by his favorite feline friend, another resident of his foster home. Valley Boy concluded his 100th day by stretching with some yoga poses, which also help to dry his feet, before settling in for the night. Valley Boy can’t wait to see what the next 100 days have in store. Maybe even a family to call his own! Set up an appointment to meet Valley Boy today!
He likes to share his love on his own terms. He’ll give you sweet nose-nudges and play for days, but only when he wants. Call him independent; call him stoic; we call him Oogie Boogie. This handsome boy is full of personality from his orange ears to his striped tail. He’s looking for a best friend who will take the time to get to know him and appreciate him for who he is. Set up an adoption appointment to meet Oogie Boogie – you will be happy you did!
Valley Boy Photo by Dirty Paw Photography
PRISCILLA
Adult, Spayed Female, Brown and White Terrier Meet Priscilla! She’s the ultimate wing-woman and loves exploring new places with her human friends. She takes long walks and hikes with our volunteers to learn about wildlife, and has even tagged along on a few car rides! Plus, she’s a quick study. She loves learning new things and is currently perfecting her “sit.” It’s quite good -- ask her to show you! She loves to meet new people (as long as they aren’t riding a bicycle). She’d thrive in a home where she is the only doggo -- that way, she can be sure to get in all the one-on-one snuggles she needs! If you’ve been looking for the perfect mix of high energy and snuggle-bug to keep you company, look no further. Priscilla can’t wait to meet you! Sign up for an adoption appointment today! Pricilla Photo by Alison Lane Photography
Adopt by Appointment at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria virtually on Zoom or in-person at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter! The AWLA is upholding ALX Promise standards to welcome visitors back to the shelter safely for adoptions and other community services on an appointment basis. Learn more at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment.
Old Town Crier
August 2020 | 21
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION CARIBBEAN JOURNAL STAFF
The luxe Sailrock resort in South Caicos
T
he British Overseas Territory officially reopened its borders for tourism on July 22. So what should travelers know? All visitors need to complete a “TCI Assured Pre-Travel Authorization” application to be granted entry into the country (you can find it here). Most crucially, the application will include the requirement that all travelers must present proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than five days prior to arrival in Turks and Caicos. All travelers will also need 22 | August 2020
medical insurance which covers Medevac (that is, air evacuation in the event of health emergencies like COVID) and certify that they have read the TCI’s privacy policy. Masks are required in all public places, along with social distancing (unless part of a group of family traveling together). And travelers may only eat at restaurants and eateries that have received the “TCI Assured” health and safety certification. That also applies to accommodations: travelers may only stay at hotels, villas and guesthouses that have the
TCI assured symbol. (That of course does not apply to homeowners returning to their vacation properties). Many of the destination’s top resorts have also reopened, from the trio of Hartling Group properties: The Sands, The Palms and The Shore Club to the luxe Sailrock resort on South Caicos to the Amanyara resort in Providenciales. That’s along with some of the Turks and Caicos’ signature private-island destinations like Como Parrot Cay and the Meridian Club on CARRIBEAN CONNECTION PAGE 23
Old Town Crier
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 20
Pine Cay. Another property to relaunch is the Sailrock luxury hotel on South Caicos. “We have developed and implemented various protocols to meet their expectations and enhance their experience during their stay at the resort,” said Kashmie Ali, managing director of Sailrock, a property he says is “ideal for social distancing,” something more
and more travelers are prizing right now. For more, visit TCI Tourism. The OTC is happy to partner with Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of the Miami, Florida based Caribbean journal, and his staff. Check them out online at caribjournal. com for valuable information on all of the fabulous travel options and things of interest in the Caribbean.
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Key West Getaway One Block from Sloppy Joe’s Contact: historichideaways.com • 1-800-654-5131 Old Town Crier
August 2020 | 23
FROM THE BAY
AD CRABLE, BAY JOURNAL NEWS SERVICE
Every Day is Sunday: COVID Refugees Flock to Parks and Trails
T
he Covid lockdown has unleashed swarms of visitors in the Bay region’s parks and on trails. Lynne Napoli of Boiling Springs, PA, lives near the Appalachian Trail, which is normally her refuge for quiet mental sustenance. But, this spring and summer, things are different. “It has been so packed I don’t go,” she explained. “When I do, it is trashed. Other sites have been ridiculously spray-painted. I’m glad people got out, especially children. Unfortunately, not many seemed to respect nature. This makes me so sad.” Parks, trails and natural areas in Chesapeake Bay states have been slammed this spring and early summer as the masses head outdoors seeking relief from coronavirus stay-at-home orders. The effects have been widespread and varied across Bay states. Hiking, hunting, boating, paddling and fishing have all been affected. “It’s been unprecedented in every sense of the word,” said Jason Bulluck, director of Virginia’s 64 natural area preserves, where the priority is to protect rare species and unique natural communities and habitat, rather than 24 | August 2020
provide recreation. Three of the preserves had to be closed for overuse. Parking lot gates at others had to be manned seven days a week to control entry into the sensitive areas. “It’s like summer holiday weekends,” said an exhausted Melissa Baker, Virginia state parks director, who had to lay off 70% of her staff at the peak of the pandemic because of loss of revenue from lodging at cabins and campgrounds. The swarming has land managers sorting out blessings and curses and wondering how to handle what may be the new norm. During the surge in attendance, natural resources have been damaged by illegal all-terrain vehicle use, trash dumping, littering, increased spray-paint and other types of vandalism, unauthorized creation of new erosion-prone shortcut trails, blocked boat launches, and trees cut and boulders thrown from landmarks. Park staff has also been taxed by frivolous rescue calls and complaints about worrisome behaviors such as camping and building campfires in illegal places, walking dogs off leashes and a lack of social distancing.
Photos: Lauren Fleming instagram.com/lfbphotography On the positive side, park officials said, untold numbers of people have discovered the physical and mental gifts the outdoors has to offer, and perhaps the ranks of those who will clamor for protecting nature has grown. Maryland’s 53 state parks had record attendance this spring, reports Maryland Department of Natural Resources spokesman Gregg Bortz. May attendance alone was up by nearly 1 million people over the previous May, an increase of 56%. The states parks, or parts of them, were closed because of overcrowding 65 times through June 12. State parks with the most frequent closures include Patapsco Valley, North Point,
Sandy Point, Calvert Cliffs, Greenbrier, Cunningham Falls and Assateague. Maryland hunters took a record number of wild turkeys this spring, at least partly attributable to hunters having more time to take to the woods. Virginia state parks got such heavy use that maintenance projects were dropped and staff were reassigned to manage overflowing parking lots. Others worked to ensure proper social distancing and group sizes on trails. Like other states, Virginia’s parks and natural area preserves saw increases in environmental damage and problematic behavior.
“It’s not just more people, it is different people, who are not familiar with [the ethic of] ‘leave no trace,’ ” Bulluck said. Spring turkey hunters in Virginia killed 20,525 gobblers, the second-highest total on record. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries said increased hunters from stay-athome restrictions played a role. Despite all of the strains and abuses on the environment during the pandemic, land managers in Bay states see a silver lining, hoping that the increased use of the outdoors will attract more volunteers, donors and advocates for nature. Studies have consistently shown that being outdoors improves mental, as well as physical, health. “The good news is that I believe that it reconnected people to these areas and helped people stay safe and healthy, and to destress,” said Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “I also believe that for those reconnecting to the outdoors or new to the outdoors, that we will continue to see them visiting our parks and forests. “We have had many visitors who have not been to parks before,” reflected Virginia state parks’ Baker. “I do think we’re going to see a whole new group of people that realizes that these resources are their resources, and as they learn about ways to care about the resource, my hope is that the constituency for what we provide and the people that we can reach grows from this.” Ad Crable is a Bay Journal staff writer based in Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 717-341-7270 or acrable@bayjournal.com. Old Town Crier
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August 2020 | 25
ROAD TRIP
BOB TAGERT
View of Old Rag
W
ith the heat of July upon us we decided to take a drive west to Virginia’s beautiful Skyline Drive with stops at our favorite places along the way. Plans for the development of the road date back to 1924 when a national park was planned in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and the main feature was to be a “skyline drive” providing views of the surrounding land. President Herbert Hoover, who had a summer home at Rapidan Camp, called for the construction of the road. Groundbreaking for Skyline Drive took place in 1931. The first section, which originally was to run from Rapidan Camp to Skyland, was extended between Swift Run Gap and Thornton Gap and opened in 1934. Skyline Drive was extended north to Front Royal in 1936 and south to Jarman Gap in 1939. The road between Jarman Gap and Rockfish Gap was built as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1939 and was incorporated into Skyline Drive in 1961. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a large part in constructing Skyline Drive. Improvements have been made to the roadway since it was built as they were repaving sections when we were there. Skyline Drive was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, became a National Scenic Byway in 2005, and was designated a national Historic Landmark in
26 | August 2020
2008. We left Alexandria in 90+ degree heat and two hours later we entered Skyline Drive at Thornton Gap and began to drive up the mountain. In a short time we were over 3,000 feet and the temperature outside dropped to 72 degrees. We turned the AC off and opened the windows. Unfortunately it was a hazy day so the bright green of the hillsides were a muted green but still majestic. Once on Skyline Drive the speed limit drops to 35 mph which is very reasonable. You didn’t drive here to rush through the mountains. Not only are there scenic overlooks of the Shennandoah Valley to the west but to the east you will view Virginia’s Piedmont region with farms, pastures and smaller mountains. At some of the overlooks are rock formations for photos or climbing on, and wild flowers and shrubs invite butterflies and bees to join you. We traveled north for about 50 minutes and then headed back south towards Thornton Gap to see the other side. The overlooks are not the only sights worth exploring. The rock formations on the interior roadside show how plants, over time, take root and can split the rocks. Throughout the year there is an assortment of seasonal fauna and flowers blooming and with luck you might see a bear crossing the road...hence 35 mph. (I have twice over the years).
After about a mile on the southern route, you will come to a tunnel that cuts through part of the ridge. When I was a kid I remember going for this drive as a family and I was just excited now as I was then. It is pretty cool. From one of the overlooks the sign says that the mountain in the distance to the east is Old Rag, a very popular mountain to hike. I will show it in my pictures so correct me if I am wrong. We drove a little farther to Skyland which has food, refreshments and lodging. We decided it was time for a beer break. Skyland had lots of masked visitors and people were paying attention to distancing and the morale of the employees in the tavern was upbeat. It was a nice change. Before you get to the climb to Thornton Gap you will leave the beautiful little town of Sperryville. This is one of our favorite little rural towns. For such a small place it has a lot to offer. The Arts are alive and well in Sperryville with artist/curator Jackie Bailey Labovitz’ Cottage Curator gallery. She specializes in assisting residential clients with the purchase and placement of her own art as well as artworks by other local, regional and nationally recognized
ROAD TRIP > PAGE 27
Old Town Crier
ROAD TRIP | FROM PAGE 26
artists. There are some beautiful pieces in this cleverly appointed space. It is a must stop on your adventure. Along the artistic vein, we finally stopped in to check out the Antique Tables Made Daily shop! We have been driving by this place for years and comment on the name every time but never checked it out. There’s a first time for everything. This shop is a one man show performed by Tom Van Fange. He builds custom furniture from local timber with a concentration on tables. We will profile him in a future
issue because he has a good story, but if you are on the hunt for a custom table now, this is a must stop. Dining in Sperryville is a challenge these days with the effects of the pandemic so I suggest that you make a plan for food before you leave home. You can pick up picnic items at the Sperryville Corner Store or pick up really good burgers, fries and shakes at Burgers & Things. Headmasters Pub wasn’t open when we were there but might be by the time this issue comes out. You can get a sit down breakfast or lunch and/or travel eats at Sperryville Trading
Café and Market on the way out of town. Our favorite breakfast place, Before and After, is offering carry out only. We had made arrangements to meet Rick Wasmund, owner of Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville. (Check out their ad in this issue). He had not yet arrived from his other distillery in Williamsburg so we opted for a couple of fingers of whiskey and I pulled out a cigar. The Thornton River runs behind the building and is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Lani chose the popular peach wood smoked rye while I stayed with the original single
malt whiskey. Life is good! Rick arrived shortly and he offered to make a nice pasta dinner for us at the distillery. A quick run to the Corner Store for two beautiful bottles of red wine ($41) and we were set. If you plan to take a trip out toward Skyline Drive I would recommend to make it two days and middle of the week is better...fewer cars and less people and room choices are better. For a place to stay check out The Loft in Little Washington or 29 Main in Sperryville. There are other options as well but we recommend these two.
On our way home toward I-66 we made a quick stop in Huntley, VA and Rappahannock Cellars Winery to visit with Allan Delmare, the main force behind Dida’s Distillery at the winery. Rappahannock Cellars celebrates 20 years of serving their award-winning wines and Dida’s is fast making a name for themselves in the brandy, gin and vodka craft spirits game – all of which are made from their own grapes. A very unique process. “Pressed, not Mashed”! It is a great place to buy a bottle or two of a unique product and the conversation is indeed interesting.
Copperfox
Before and After
Tom Von Fange
(Above) Cottage Curator Interior. (LEFT) Jackie Bailey Labovitz with her Blue-Eyed Grass photograph. Photo: Luke Christopher
Tables Old Town Crier
Lani's Favorite Place on Skyline. August 2020 | 27
Visit RAPPAHANNOCK Background photo: John McCaslin
We have social distancing covered here at Rappahannock Cellars Friends, Family and the Joy of Wine!
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28 | August 2020
Old Town Crier
TO THE BLUE RIDGE
JULIE REARDON W/LANI GERING
Between the ungodly hot weather, the continuing effects of dealing with the pandemic and life in general, Julie just couldn’t muster up any inspiration for her column this month. She has been dealing with some health issues on top of everything and asked if the OTC could just publish some photos of her beloved dogs and maybe indicate that the Blue Ridge is closed for the Dog Days of Summer. Well…we were hesitant at first but after a bit of thought decided it wasn’t totally a bad idea. You all know that the Old Town Crier’s tagline has been “From the Bay to the Blue Ridge” for almost 27 of the 32 years we have been publishing, right? Well, if you didn’t, now you do. That being said, we thought it quite fitting to publish these shots of Julie’s Chesapeake Bay Retrievers who reside in the Blue Ridge in this space. Stay cool out there….
Old Town Crier
August 2020 | 29
YOUR
ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE
Quality Sport & Trail Horses For Sale Open Year-Round Lessons • Training •Trail Rides • Special Events
INFO
www.therockingsranch.com • 540.678.8501
AT A GLANCE Gates Open - 5:30pm Opening Match – 6:00pm Twilight Match – 7:00pm Main Game – 8:00pm Photos: Nancy Milburn Kelck
Twilight Polo Update
D
ue to the ongoing concern surrounding COVID, the Twilight Polo will not take place in the Greenhill Stadium. Instead, Great Meadow will continue with Tailgate Polo in the Sheila C. Johnson Polo Field. Tailgate Polo features three fast paced polo matches enjoyed from reserved, physically distanced tailgate spaces or from the physically distanced General Admission Seating area. There will be no tickets for sale at the gate so it is important that you purchase them online. There are strict COVID mandated protocols being taken to keep everyone healthy. These details can be found on the website. There is still plenty of room to have yourself some fun.
ONE NIGHT TAILGATE Each reserved 10’x10’ space includes parking 30 | August 2020
for two vehicles (one in the tailgate space, the other in the nearby auxiliary lot) and can hold up to ten guests. Tailgates are permitted to set up pop-up tents. All one-night tailgate spaces are located on the East side and are priced at $150.
GENERAL ADMISSION CAR PASS GA Car Passes cover entry for all occupants of the vehicle. Seating is located on the West berm overlooking the North Goal. Parking is located in a nearby lot. NO tents in the GA Seating Area. GA Car passes must be purchased before the event and are prices at $40. For directions and a map to the Sheila Johnson field and to order your tickets and or passes, log on to the Great Meadow website: greatmeadow.org/tailgate-polo Old Town Crier
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A GOOD DRINK. NOW’S THE TIME! Whether you’re headed to the mountains or headed to the beach, we’ll be waiting for you with whisky flights and craft cocktails.
Experience the flavor journey that never ends.
9 River Lane Sperryville 540.987.8554
www.copperfoxdistillery.com
Old Town Crier
901 Capitol Landing Road Williamsburg 757.903.2076
We’re following all safety guidelines. Or let us ship to you directly anywhere in Virginia!
August 2020 | 31
THE GASTRONOMES
DINING OUT
DINING OUT….OR NOT!
J
ust like many of the other standard columns published in the OTC, this column has taken on a new personality since the pandemic hit the area. We no longer feel like we can single out any one particular restaurant to profile when they “all” need all of the extra support they can get. Last month we wrote about the nuances of going on a picnic and purchasing the contents for your basket at a local eatery. Unfortunately, the weather was soooooo hot for almost two weeks straight, the concept of eating anywhere outside during the daylight hours was insane. Hopefully, this month those high temps will take a break and you can plan that picnic. We have been following a local Facebook page whose members comment on curbside and other dining options in the Alexandria area. If you will remember, I mentioned that the majority of the members said they would NOT be headed out to dine out any time soon when we went into Phase 2 in June that allowed al fresco dining as an option. Since then, we have merged into Phase 3 32 | August 2020
and the opportunity to dine in (with restrictions) is an option. I was interested to see what the “mood” was within the group after 2 months so I posed the same question the Chef from Café 44 did when Phase 2 kicked in. I received over 250 responses at the time of this writing and they were still pouring in. The consensus of 99% - yes, that’s right, 99% - of the comments were, “We/I won’t be dining al fresco or inside anytime soon. It’s curbside, carryout or delivery only!” Let me tell you, there were some VERY emphatic responses. On the upside, almost everyone indicated that they have been ordering from locally owned eateries and avoiding the chains and are very concerned about supporting the independent
restaurant community in Alexandria. This is good news. We continue to be amazed at what the community has done to make it a bit easier for our restaurant friends to operate under all of these “conditions”. Closing the 100 Block of King Street to create a pedestrian “mall” experience, allowing sidewalk and curbside dining throughout the City and making curbside pickup more attractive. In fact, the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association has changed up the tone of the annual August Alexandria Restaurant Week. The entire promotion is geared for “ToGo” meals. Participating restaurants are offering $49 takeout, delivery or curbside pickup dinner for two from
August 21st to the 30th. There are many variations of the offer between locations so your best bet is to check out the menu “flip book” for participating restaurants, etc. at AlexandriaRestaurantWeek. com On a personal note, we are comfortable dining inside or outside since masks are required unless you are sitting at your table and even though restaurant capacity requirements have been lifted, the requisite 6’ distancing between tables is still mandated as are the precautions that the servers have to take. We are such creatures of habit and were used to dining out several times a week spreading ourselves between 3 or 4 of our favorite places. We have
had to curtail indulging ourselves like we used to since the economics won’t allow for it and it is getting a bit easier to resign ourselves to cook at home but we are both waiting patiently until we can go have a nice lunch at the bar with our favorite bartenders and friends. I will admit that we have only been dining in places that we have been patronizing for years or that are recommended to us by friends. No matter your dining preferences, we encourage you to patronize our local, independently owned establishments. We want to give a special shout out to our loyal advertisers who have stayed with us throughout the pandemic– Landini Brothers, The Fish Market, The Warehouse, Mackie’s, River Bend Bistro, Tempo and Bastille here in Alexandria and Stoney’s Kingfisher on Solomons Island, MD. Also, want to recommend some of the best hot sauce I have had in a long time – Hurricane Bob’s Cajun Dew & Inca Gold – order yourself some online or pick some up in town. Please check out their ads in this issue. Old Town Crier
Small Batch, Gourmet Hot Sauce
We apply the “Hurricane Category Heat Index”
Cajun Dew Bayou Inspired
Inca Gold Cajun Dew is the perfect blend of Cayenne and Habenero peppers along with garlic, vinegar and salt. Simple and flavorful.
Inca Gold combines the unique flavors of South American Peppers with just the right amount of punch.
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August 2020 | 33
LET’S EAT
JUDY EICHNER
Baby It’s Hot Outside!
W
hile we can’t exactly do a lot of traveling these days, when traveling through North or South America, Southern Italy and/or Provence in France in the warm and hot weather you will find many restaurants with a variety of cold soups on the menu. This is especially true when the weather is exceedingly hot. People everywhere enjoy a cup or bowl of cold soup with a side salad and a crusty bread as the temperatures rise. Here are three recipes for soups to try as the warm weather continues to engulf us.
Icy Cucumber Soup 2 medium cucumbers 1 small onion 2 tablespoons chopped chives 2 teaspoons sugar 1 ½ teaspoons prepared mustard 1 cup sour cream 1 quart buttermilk 2 teaspoons salt Dash of white pepper Coarsely grate cucumbers and onion into a mixing bowl. Add chives, sugar, salt, mustard and sour cream. Gradually stir in the buttermilk. Let ripen in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Serve icy cold with a sprinkling of chives on top. This recipe will serve about 6 people.
Summer Squash Soup 48 to 64 ounces of chicken broth 1 medium onion chopped 10 medium yellow squash chopped 3 ounces package of cream cheese 1 teaspoon curry powder 16 ounces of sour cream Salt and pepper to taste
Combine onion, broth and squash in saucepan and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add cream cheese, curry powder and salt and pepper and puree in a blender or food processor. Serve cold with a dollop of sour cream. This soup can also be served hot, if preferred.
Chilled Orange Carrot Soup
Now Offering:
Curbside Pick Up - Food & Beverage To Go - Inside/Outside Dining
3 tablespoons of butter 4 cups of thinly sliced carrots ½ cup sliced onion ¼ teaspoon of finely ground ginger 3 cups chicken broth 1 ½ cups orange juice Salt and pepper to taste Garnish – orange slices, grated carrots and chopped fresh mint In a large saucepan, melt the butter, add the carrots, onion, ginger and sauté until tender. Stir in two cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, and cover. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender, about 30-40 minutes. In a blender or food processor, puree half of carrot mixture at a time until nearly smooth. Return to pan or bowl, stir in remaining broth and orange juice and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve topped with a slice of orange, grated carrot and mint. 34 | August 2020
Old Town Crier
DINING GUIDE AMERICAN
AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE 1106 King Street 703.721.3970 BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 703-739-6090 CAFE 44 44 Canal Center 571-800-6644 CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776 EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 EXECUTIVE DINER & CAFE 1400 Duke Street 703-299-0894 FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FIVE GUYS 725 King St. 703-549-7991 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 GRATEFUL KITCHEN 727 N. Henry Street HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969 HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355 JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372 JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790 JAVA GRILL 611 King Street 571-431-7631 JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777 JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria 703-436-0025 Old Town Crier
Please Contact your favorite restaurants for updates on their "Social Distancing" policies.
LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313
THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533 LIVE OAK 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 571-312-0402 LORI'S TABLE 1028 King Street 703-549-5545 LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511 MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288 mackiesbarandgrill.com MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117 MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street 703-548-8800 mason-social.com MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011 MURPHYS IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com MYRON MIXON PITMASTER BBQ 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340 NECTAR COFFEE & WINE BISTRO 106 Hume Avenue 571-431-6150 NORTHSIDE 1O 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-888-0032 OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699 THE PEOPLES DRUG 103 N. Alfred Street 571-257-8851 RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 RT's RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com SAMUEL BECKETTS IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122
SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266 SMOKING KOW BBQ 3250 Duke Sttreet 703-888-2649 SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550 SOUTH BLOCK 106 N. Lee Street 703-465-8423 SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222 SWEETGREEN 823 King St. 571-319-0192 SWEET FIRE DONNA'S BBQ & HOPS 510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960 T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669 VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669 VOLA’S DOCKSIDE GRILL & THE HI-TIDE LOUNGE 101 North Union St. 703-935-8890 THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868 warehouseoldtown.com ASIAN
ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515 MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710 MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600 NASIME 1209 King St. 703-548-1848 STREETS MARKET AND CAFE 3108 Mt. Vernon Ave. 571-431-6810 THAILAND ROYAL 801 N. Fairfax St. 703 535-6622 TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 KAI ZEN TAVERN 1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212 THE SUSHI BAR 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue 571-257-3232
CONTINENTAL
BRABO by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440 BRABO TASTING ROOM 1600 King St. 703-894-5252 CEDAR KNOLL GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665 OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361 TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com VILLAGE BRAUHAUS 710 King Street 703-888-1951 villagebrauhaus.com FRENCH
BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com BISTRO SANCERRE FRENCH 1755 Duke Street LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 FONTAINES CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151 LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854 TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141 ITALIAN BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998 HANK & MIMI'S PIZZA AND PASTA 600 Montgomery Ave. 571-312-4117 IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833
LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086 MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 100 King Street 703-997-5300 MICHAEL’S LITTLE ITALY 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873
MEDITERRANEAN
LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. 703-329-0006 VASO'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1118 King Street 703-566-2720 VASO'S KITCHEN 1225 Powhatan Street 703-548-2747 SEAFOOD
HANKS OYSTER BAR 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 INDIAN
DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085 DIYA 218 North Lee, 2nd Floor 703-706-5338 NAMASTE 1504 King St. 703-970-0615 MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN
CASA TEQUILA (next to Crate & Barrel) 1701 Duke 703-518-5312 CHOP SHOP TACO 1008 Madison Street 571-970-6438 DON TACO TEQUILA BAR 808 King St. 703-988-3144 LOS CUATES RESTAURANT 1116 King Street 703-548-2918 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) TEQUILA & TACO 540 John Carlyle Street 703-721-3203 Urbano 116 116 King Street 571-970-5148
August 2020 | 35
GRAPEVINE
MATT FITZSIMMONS
Shenandoah River State Park
S Muse Tasting Room Muse Flight and Gamay bottle
henandoah Valley wineries are one of Virginia’s bestkept secrets, which is surprising given the valley is famous for so many other activities. You’ve probably heard about the hiking, river tubing, and cave exploring. But most people don’t realize this is also prime real-estate for making wine. The Shenandoah is one of only eight American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Virginia; the others are located in Charlottesville, Middleburg, both sides of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. AVAs receive their designation based on having specific features that allow them to create wine that have, in the words of Glen Manor Vineyards, “A sense of place.” I didn’t realize the Shenandoah’s importance until Jay Youmans – organizer of the Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition – identified this AVA as being the place to watch. When those ‘in the know’ about Virginia wine make such statements, it’s smart to pay attention.
Best Terroir In Virginia? “Terroir” describes the complete natural environment 36 | August 2020
from which wines are produced – and the Shenandoah Valley’s terroir is outstanding. While the valley has historically been strongly associated with agriculture, wine growing didn’t take off here until 1976 when Jim and Emma Randel founded Shenandoah Vineyards, becoming one of the first wineries in Virginia postProhibition. The Randels likely realized a crucial fact; the Shenandoah is the driest area in Virginia. The valley is protected by the Blue Ridge on one side and the Alleghenies on the other, creating a rain shadow from both directions. This is particularly important in late summer when vineyards pray for warm, dry weather to facilitate ripening. The difference is noticeable; whereas the Shenandoah receives an average of 38 inches of rain per year, Leesburg, Richmond and Charlottesville receive anywhere from 42-45 inches. The valley also enjoys a higher elevation than most other wine-growing regions in Virginia. Vineyards planted at higher elevation are cooler, have more exposure to sunlight, and undergo greater temperature swings. These factors allow their grapes to ripen while retaining acidity,
making wines that are food friendly and able to age well. Shenandoah wineries also benefit from cheaper land and easily-accessible farm labor, so they are able to produce dry wines that are a great valuefor-your-money. As enjoyable as wineries in Loudoun and Fauquier counties are, most of their white wines are priced $25 and above and reds are often in the low-to-mid $30 range. But in many Shenandoah wineries such as Bluestone or Ox-Eye Vineyards, whites are around $20 and reds usually top off at $25. For the best value, try Shenandoah wines you can’t easily find elsewhere in Virginia. Possibly the best deal in the state is Muse Vineyard’s light, fruit-forward $16 Gamay. Jump Mountain’s $19 Grüner Veltliner, North Mountain’s $19 Riesling, and Ox-Eye Vineyard’s $24 Pinot Noir are also steals.
Recommended Shenandoah Itineraries Given that there are over 25 wineries, cideries and meaderies in the Shenandoah Valley, you can do a day trip every other weekend all year before you visit them all. But if GRAPEVINE > PAGE 38
Old Town Crier
EXPLORING VA WINES
2020 has certainly been a challenging year across the board. We always try to make the most we can of what Mother Nature gives us but this year, with the late spring frosts and heavy summer heat, nothing has been fruitful or easy. Years from now when we drink the vintage 2020 wines, hopefully it will mean something more than the challenges we have had to
DOUG FABBIOLI
overcome. Maybe we will taste the success we had in making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. The season of crushing grapes continues to move closer, so our plans need to be built for success. First we need to look at the amount of fruit coming in, where it is coming from, and for what wine it will be used. I have not only the fruit from my own vineyards to plan for, but
I do some custom crush for a couple of other operations. I also bring in a bit of fruit from California, and need to prepare for that arrival as well. The timing on receiving these grapes is based both on when they are ripe and when we are able to accept them. Fortunately with our operation, not all the grapes ripen in the same week, and some varieties of grapes can
real people. earth friendly. fabulous wines. HOLD YOUR ‘FABB’ EVENT AT FABBIOLI CELLARS! WEDDINGS • CORPORATE OUTINGS • GRADUATIONS • CELEBRATIONS
email us at info@fabbioliwines.com 15669 Limestone School Rd • Leesburg, VA 20176 703.771.1197 • fabbioliwines.com Old Town Crier
hang on the vine an extra few days if needed. The next logistical step is figuring out what vessels these grapes will ferment in. Last season, we had some space issues with our red fermentations. Usually I can press off an early batch of red grapes to open up some bins. Crops were big last year, though, and grapes were ripening at similar times so I had to crunchorder some more bins to have the space needed for the grapes. Some wineries have held off on picking for a few days in order to buy time for the previous batch to finish fermenting. Then the grapes are pressed off into a holding tank allowing room for the fresh grapes that are still on the vine. There are always challenges to figure out as we try to bring in the crop. The barrel program is the third critical consideration for managing the space for our wines. Most of the white wines will ferment in tanks, but some will ferment in barrels. Petit Manseng and Chardonnay will be fermented in neutral French oak. I’m glad I have barrels available from last year as there is no easy way to get these barrels. I did order a few new ones
but those will be for our red program. Eventually most of our reds will age in barrels, so having enough barrels is always a key part of the end game. By the end of October, all the grapes should be in and have a place for fermentation. Many have already moved to barrels. My first bottling, post harvest, will be in December, so I can move some wines out of the cellar in order to make some breathing room. If I am short on barrels, I can bottle some of the previous-vintage wines to open up some barrels for the new vintage. Sometimes this process is like Chess, other times it’s like Tetris. On the worst days it feels more like Jenga! As I look back on almost four decades in this industry, I admit I enjoy the challenge of mixing art, science, agriculture, business, logic, and marketing and coming up with a product that folks can enjoy, both every day and on very special occasions. Thanks so much for giving people like me a chance to do what we love. August 2020 | 37
GRAPEVINE | FROM PAGE 36
you were to narrow it down to a few days, here are some ideas:
Day 1: Northern Shenandoah Start at Star in the Valley Estate Winery, the valley’s newest winery. This is one of the highest-elevation vineyards in the area, so make sure you enjoy the view while sipping on their Cabernet Franc. Turn south and head to North Mountain Vineyard, which puts a special focus on German and Austrian varietals. You’ll enjoy the alpine-lodge vibe, and make sure to come back for their Octoberfest events.
Cruise down a country road to Shenandoah Vineyards, which has some of the oldest vines in the state. Shenandoah is now owned by Michael Shaps, who recognized the great potential of valley grapes and is making fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon. If you need a break from wine, visit Shenandoah Caverns or the Civil War battlefield at Fischer’s Hill, both right off I-81. Stay overnight at the Farmhouse at Muse Vineyards. They are open late on Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ll have a chance to sample their ‘Clio’ Bordeaux-style red blend. Make time for a hike through
their 34-acre vineyard. Feel free to swap any of these out with visits to Cave Ridge, Kindred Pointe, or Wolf Gap Vineyard.
Day 2: Southern Shenandoah Kick things off at Barren Ridge Vineyards. If you’re lucky, co-owner Shelby Higgs may regale you with stories of how she and her husband founded the winery. Try their 2015 Meritage or the smoky 2017 Touriga Nacional. Next up is CrossKeys Vineyards, which not only is stunning has a great bistro to go with their wine. Try pairing the Brie Fondue with their Chardonnay, or Caesar salad with the Pinot Noir. Move on to Bluestone Vineyard. Winemaker Lee Hartman is particularly proud of his 2018 Chardonnay and Petit Manseng. Get a bottle while enjoying the view from the tasting room at the top of the hill. If you want some exercise, do a morning hike at Big Schloss Mountain for one of the most panoramic views in Virginia, or tubing on the South Fork of the Shenandoah. For something more laid back, pick lavender at White Oak Lavender Farm which – conveniently enough – also sells lavender-infused wine. Stay at an Airbnb hosted by either the DeMello Vineyards or Marcelline Vineyards.
Day 3: Page Valley/Luray Return home via Luray, with a stop at Brix and Columns Vineyard. Wonder dog Wyatt will likely greet you as you walk in (don’t let his size scare you; he’s a total pushover). Try their estate-grown Cabernet Franc made by winemaker Michael Shaps. A half hour up the road is Wisteria Farm & Vineyard. Winemaker Moussa Ishak’s
Like many wineries, CrossKeys is offering self-guided tastings as part of their social distancing measures
North Mountain Vineyard
Glen Manor Vineyards, as seen from Snead Farm Trail birthplace is the inspiration behind his wines. I love the mural of his home town in Lebanon behind the tasting bar, as well as the Asharoot white blend. Visit a park! Either turn east on Route 211 to the Thornton Gap entrance of Shenandoah National Park and take in the sights along Skyline Drive, or enjoy shoreline picnicking at Shenandoah River State Park. End the day at Glen Manor
Vineyards. While I love the view from their tasting room, try viewing it from Shenandoah National Park. Ask for their Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet-heavy Hodder Hill Bordeaux-blend (and try not to eat all of Kelly’s homemade focaccia bread). When you’re done, plan your next trip! There are even more Shenandoah wineries to visit in the northern and southern ends of the valley.
Open Daily - Award-Winning Wines - Amazing Panoramic Views - All Season Venue 1501 Dave Berry Road | McGaheysville | Virginia
38 | August 2020
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Old Town Crier
FITNESS
CATHERINE VARCHEVER
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS FOR REMOVING A TICK FROM YOUR SKIN By Angela Patterson,
Are you Drinking Enough? Water, that is!!
O
ur bodies are made up of over 70% water and it is involved in almost every aspect of keeping our body’s biological processes running efficiently. Not counting perspiration, it is estimated that as adults we lose about 4% of our total body weight per day in water losses. This means, it is important to replace not only this water, but also the water we lose when participating in activities, especially in the summertime.
How do you know how much water you should drink? Experts vary in their recommendations and the exact amount depends upon your body weight, where you live, how much exercise you do per day, and the type of environment in which you are living. But as a general rule, one quick way you can estimate how much you should be drinking is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number by two. The result is the number of ounces that you should be drinking per day in terms of your water consumption. For example, if you are a lady and weigh 125 pounds/2 = 62.5, you should be aiming for at least 62.5 ounces of water per day. Plain water is generally the best for hydration. Avoid caffeine or alcohol as these can dehydrate you further. However, if you are working out in the heat and or perspiring extensively, then it is important to replenish the electrolytes that your body loses with either an electrolyte supplement or sports drink.
Hydration and Heat You need to increase the amount of fluids you drink if you are out in the heat. Plan your water intake before you start working out. Because everyone is different it is difficult to state exact fluid requirements, but as a starting point here are some general guidelines you can use, and then modify the amounts based on your individual circumstances: If you will be outdoors or working out extensively you should drink 2-3 cups of water before your workout (about 2-3 hours prior to exercise). During your workout a good rule of thumb is to drink about 1 cup of water for every 10-15 minutes that you are working out. Sodium is actually important if you are working out heavily, so consider adding a sports drink like the low sugar version of Gatorade (the G2) or my personal favorite which is the Crystal Old Town Crier
Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer, MinuteClinic at CVS
Light Hydration Lemon which has 10 calories per a 16 ounce bottle of water, 150 mg sodium and 70mg potassium in order to replenish the electrolytes that your body loses during exercise and sweating. A good tip is to weigh yourself before and after exercise, and any weight loss immediately after exercising is the weight you will need to gain back in water. As always, consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program and if you take any medication that may affect your fluid intake and or exercise program make sure to ask your doctor about planning the proper amount of hydration and what types of exercises are safe for you.
Summary and Tips: • Drink water before, during and after your workouts. • Consider adding in a Sports Drink to replenish electrolytes. • Stay away from liquids containing caffeine or alcohol, (avoid beers, colas and other similar beverages)
Signs of dehydration: • Weakness or lightheadedness • Exhaustion • Thirst • Pale skin • Loss of appetite • Dark colored urine • Dry mouth • Muscle cramps • Nausea and vomiting • Sweating cessation • Confusion and weakness, and then possible organ failure can occur if the dehydration is not treated!
If you’re spending time outdoors as a way to get some fresh air while physical distancing, or if you have a pet who needs to go outside, it is important to know that ticks are most active in the summer months. While there are actions you can take to prevent ticks, such as avoiding grassy and wooded areas, using insect repellents, and treating your clothing with products containing permethrin, you should always do a body scan and check for ticks after spending time outdoors. Grab a pair of fine-tipped sterilized tweezers. Using the tweezers, grab and pinch the tick’s head vs its swollen abdomen (do not grab at swollen abdomen of tick). Pull straight out; do not twist. Nail polish, petroleum jelly or heat will not help you remove the tick. If the tick breaks in half, remove the mouth-parts with clean tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth-parts easily, leave them alone and the skin will heal. Wash the site where the tick was on your skin with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Never crush a tick. To dispose, put the tick in alcohol or in a sealed bag or container. You may want to save the tick for further reference, if needed. After removal, keep an eye on the bite region over the next month, and watch out for the following potential symptoms of tickborne diseases:
Symptoms of Lyme Disease An expanding bullseye ring developing where the tick was removed Fever Chills Headache
This column first appeared in the August 2015 issue of the OTC. Catherine Varchaver (Peace Corp staff: Central and Eastern Europe and Kyrgyzstan 1991–1997) spent several years on Peace Corps staff working as a desk officer, trainer and Associate Peace Corps Director for Education at Headquarters and overseas. She has worked in private practice, Body and Soul Nutrition, blending Eastern meets Western 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.
Excessive fatigue Muscle and joint aches Swollen lymph nodes
Image courtesy KC Shields / Alamy Stock Photo
Nausea or vomiting Stomach or muscle pain Loss of appetite Headache Symptoms Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rash Image courtesy CDC.gov
August 2020 | 39
FROM THE TRAINER
RYAN UNVERZAGT
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This month’s exercise is the FitBall Abdominal (Ab) Exchange. This is a great exercise for the rectus abdominus. The start position is shown in Figure 1. The FitBall is held off the floor with your arms extended straight above the head. Notice how the feet are also held above the floor about a foot or two. This position elicits muscular tension through your core. Next, bring the ball overtop of your body while simultaneously raising your legs to “meet in the middle”. Obviously, the leg and arm muscles will be doing some work during this motion, but focus on contracting the abs to help bring the back of the shoulders off the floor to really make the repetition count. So now that the FitBall is at the top, switch it from the hands to the feet by placing it between the inside of your ankles (figure 2). It might take some practice before this transition becomes smooth. Squeeze the ball with your legs to secure it for the ride down. Slowly lower the ball, back of the shoulders, and your arms toward the floor. Notice again how the arms and ball never touch the floor because you want to keep tension on the abs the whole time during the exercise (figure 3). Try at least ten reps if you’ve never attempted the FitBall Ab Exchange. This is an advanced abdominal exercise that requires significant core strength to perform multiple sets and reps. I hope that I have given you another solid core exercise that you can add to your abdominal repertoire! Until next time….stay fit during the “Dog Days of Summer”! Unverzagt holds Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University. He is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
40 | August 2020
Old Town Crier
FIRST BLUSH
D
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
KIM PUTENS
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:
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.
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 2 – Scrub a Dub Dub
Now that you’ve cleansed and scrubbed away the dead skin, apply a facial mask. Masks come in many forms and have different uses. If you are feeling as dry as the Sahara, you might try a mask
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. Old Town Crier
Step 3 – Put on a Mask Even Though It’s Not Halloween
that boosts the moisture in your skin. Moisture or hydration masks – as they are often called – usually look like jelly and don’t dry while sitting on the skin. Clay based masks are great for skin that is either dull or congested. The clay ingredients work to pull out impurities that are clogging pores and to bring back the natural glow that has been camouflaged by dead skin cells.
Step 4 – Give your Face a Treat After your mask is wiped clean, your face is ripe for a treat. Apply a treatment serum appropriate for your skin type. If you are worried about your age catching up to your skin, apply a Vitamin C based serum. Vitamin C is the closest thing to the Fountain of Youth. It helps to rebuild collagen and improve the skin’s elasticity. If you are acne prone, apply an anti-acne serum. These serums help keep pore-clogging, acneinstigating bacteria at bay. For normal skin types, simply
apply a vitamin-infused 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 Haircuts $15 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $18 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up Color $43+up Permanent $45+up (including haircut & conditioner)
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!
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STEVE CHACONAS
GO FISH
Federals Fishing
F
ort Hunt High School is legendary in Northern Virginia, and in many cases around the world. Known for exemplary academic performance and world champion high school marching band, its alumni stick together. There’s something about the bonds created in the land owned by George Washington’s Mount Vernon and in the shadows of WW2 prisoner of war camp at Fort Hunt. Further cementing this relationship is our annual Potomac River fishing trip. Gary Burke still lives in the area. During the year we stay in constant touch via phone, email and FaceBook with Duel Ballard who lives in Delaware. We’ve even tried Facetime! Another year and another medical update. Who’s taking what pills and what joints are being replaced. It’s like a bunch of teenagers discussing bodily functions, but these days they aren’t functioning the way they used to. We have a lot in common which includes fishing. We all grew up fishing the Potomac in the shadows of health department warning signs along the broken glass riddled river. When the old Wilson Line cruise ship left a wake, the shoreline used to jingle. And yet we fished. We all frequently fish and share stories through the year. Our plans were for an early spring trip. But something about a virus postponed our outing into late July. We were happy 42 | August 2020
the Governor of Maryland decided to let us go fishing. We wore masks or face coverings…at times. I took everyone’s temperature with a touchless thermometer, but Duel held out for the rectal thermometer. We took a stroll down memory lane and the streets that raised us. Noting where old hangouts were, what replaced them and how long they’ve been gone too. Our high school cars were looked back upon almost with the same fondness of old girlfriends, almost! We wondered if we still had those old autos what fun they’d be. Not wondering the same about the old girlfriends. Where are they today? A name would pop up and one of us would know where they were and what they were up too. Safe to say, most were retired. A few no longer with us. We also praised our classmate, “Mr. Reunion” Joe Gilliland. Joe has kept Fort Hunt, a school that closed in the early 80s, relevant with an annual all class July picnic at Fort Hunt Park complete with cookout and live bands. Sadly, Covid choked that plan. Since we were already caught up, we just picked up where we left off. Better yet, we fished for several hours getting a fish here and there. It seemed appropriate to integrate past fishing stories into this new one we were creating. Casting skills were on display and reluctant fish
found their way on board. It was a hot day, but we toughed it out. When Gary asked what happened to the grass, we knew he was talking about subaquatic vegetation. Duel, a former FHHS crew team member told stories about the river from the 70s. How bad it was and things he saw while rowing. Then he topped it off with his experiences working at a sewage treatment plant. The Potomac has improved. What happens on the Skeeter stays on the Skeeter, so stories about old friends and politics received the same treatment. We seemed to like the same crowd and agreed on the issues of the day. We had a lot in common, where we grew up, where we went to school, and the places we used to go. But it’s fishing that has remained our common thread. It was like we were
on an island, except there were no island girls nor was there any beer. Nothing around interrupted us at all. It was non-stop talk, with some laughter at The author with his boys. each other and At our age we aren’t going ourselves. to let our years catch up to us. Gary and I are available We may not be as fast or as for another trip this fall, but strong, but we will keep a step Duel has a 4 year old. Yes, a 4 ahead. Our eyesight isn’t as year old. His sweet daughter good as it used to be, but our made it tough for daddy to vision is clear. Our friendship make this trip. She is so used is ageless. to having him around all the time. We voted to have him bring her on the next trip. Author Capt. Steve Chaconas Apparently, Duel has taught is Potomac bass fishing her well and she can really guide. Potomac River reports: catch them. Maybe she can nationalbass.com. Book trips/ give us a few pointers. I think purchase gift certificates: info@ anything will help. NationalBass.com.
Potomac River Bassing in August It’s hot, as water hits the mid to upper 80s, get out early and leave before the heat and storms roll in. Take a top down approach and continue as long as weather and fish cooperate. Hollow frogs or soft plastic buzz toads will work close to cover, grass or wood. When the topwater bite fades, try shallow crankbaits and bladed jigs. Slow retrieves with swim jigs will work too. Catch grass and snap and stop. Stay in the shade as long as possible. After the sun is out and stays, time to go to soft plastics. Texas rigged Mizmo tubes on 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Tube hooks, shaky head with long shank Mustad jig hooks, Neko rigs with Mustad 2/0 red wacky rig hooks and wacky rigged weightless stickworms work. Skip baits under docks or into grass clumps. Line is key too. For frogs and toads, use 60 pound Gamma torque braid. For the crankbaits and bladed jigs, use 12-14 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. The soft plastics presentations can be used on spinning gear like Quantum Smoke reels spooled with 15 pound test Gamma Torque braid with 10-12 pound test Edge leader. Or on casting gear, spool Quantum Smoke casting reels with 14 pound test Edge that can also handle most cover situations.
Old Town Crier
OPEN SPACE
LORI WELCH BROWN
Be a JOY Seeker
(Not a Worry Warrior)
REMEMBER TO HAVE SOME FUN AS WELL! • Invest $6 in a kiddie wading pool, fill it with cold water, and let the steam drain off your body. (Walmart has them for under $6).
A
ugust has turned from the dog days of summer—carefree days spent floating on the lake or dipping your toes in the sand— to the anxious days of a pandemic that won’t leave us alone, political division, civil unrest, etc. To some, it feels like the darkest of days, an unprecedented era the likes of which the world has never seen. I call baloney. During these past few weeks of quarantine, I have exhausted Netflix, but finally made my way around to Downton Abbey. Yes—I am very late to the party, but I was amazed at how timely it felt. In case you’ve been living under a rock like me, the series which aired on PBS is set in the fictional country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926 and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic staff—of which there are many. It depicts the events of the time to include the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Spanish influenza pandemic, the Irish War of Independence. As I was watching, I couldn’t help but think about the generations before us and the challenges they endured. My own grandparents lived through the Great Depression and sent two sons to the Korean War. My grandmother lost three babies in childbirth and buried a toddler. They Old Town Crier
couldn’t email their sons and get immediate notification of their safety. They had to wait for snail mail letters from far off places. My grandmother wasn’t able to talk to a therapist about her grief or pop a Prozac, and she definitely wasn’t Zooming with her BFFs, wine in hand. I’m pretty sure my grandfather didn’t provide much comfort beyond helping her saddle the horses or carry water from the well. Tough times are not foreign to anyone. People have been known to survive horrible things, and actually come out on the other side stronger, and dare I say, happy. My grandmother didn’t let her tragedies define or break her. She was a strong, resilient woman still carrying water back to the house well into her 80s and writing me handwritten letters that I cherish to this day. I won’t stand on a soap box of ‘we are too soft’ or ‘we’ve shielded our children too much,’ as everyone has their own crosses to bear. What do I know? I’m a middle-aged white woman who has never birthed a child let alone buried one. I drink my water from a bottle, and have enjoyed many creature comforts to include indoor plumbing. That being said, these are not the carefree days of summer of which we are accustomed. Many of us have been feeling
“angsty” as our usual routines have been disrupted for such a prolonged period. I recognize that some people suffer from chronic anxiety, including a family member, which may make our current situation unbearable. I can see the strain this has been taking, and his struggle to cope over the long haul. It’s hard, but we are humans. We are resilient, and to quote Glennon Doyle, “We can do hard things.” It is summer. Beyond exotic locales and tropical drinks, it’s a time to take a breath, rest and relax. Whether it’s for a week, a day, or 15 minutes, take a break from work, worry, social media, the news, or whatever is heavy on your mind. Give your brain a much needed and welldeserved rest. Be sure to keep in touch with loved ones, your tribe of trusted confidantes, online spiritual communities, and the likes. Also—remember to reach out to your ‘strong’ friends because even their shoulders may need some boosting. Most importantly, live in the present. Be a joy seeker not a worry warrior. These may be challenging times, but we will not only survive, but thrive. The world works in mysterious ways, and like Grandma Welch, I think we are all gonna come out on the other side just fine. If you would like to read more of Lori’s work, follow her on Medium at Lori Welch Brown
• Put one of those cute drink umbrellas in your morning coffee. • Paint your toes neon green. • Wear a grass skirt just because. • Turn your kitchen nook into a tiki bar. • Send a postcard to an elderly neighbor or write a letter to your grandma. • Buy a hula hoop. • Break out your crayons. • Make homemade lemonade and deliver it to your neighbors. • Blast some Beach Boys or Jimmy Buffet. • Make a pitcher of strawberry margaritas. • Read a trashy novel. • Buy yourself a new beach towel. • Pretend you could go anywhere in the world and plan that dream trip down to the hotel, restaurants, and excursions. • Pack a lunch, jump in the car, roll down the windows, and head off on a day trip adventure. • Take a break to play fetch with your dog or cuddle with your cat. • Sort through your old magazines to find inspirational quotes and pictures. Cut them out and tape them to your fridge or build a vision board. • Grab your mask and head out to your local farmer’s market. Treat yourself to some freshly harvested summer fruit. • Learn to bake a pie. • Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. • Create your own version of summer camp. Immerse yourself in an online watercolor or photography course, or plan a small group drawing camp and head out each day to a different local destination.
August 2020 | 43
NATIONAL HARBOR
I
t was with a very heavy heart that I had to move out of the condo in One National Harbor where I had resided for over 10 years. I loved that little place. The economics just weren’t there anymore with the loss of income I have experienced in the past several months. Many of my neighbors stopped in while I was packing up to say “goodbye” and I have shed more than a few tears but I am looking at finding a silver lining. I believe all things happen for a reason and there are lessons to be learned so… on the upside I am back living in Old Town Alexandria in a
LANI GERING
place that has lots of windows and sunlight and I am pretty close to my old neighborhood in Del Ray. I am just across the river and since I will continue to write the column and promote all of the things the Harbor offers - and I love my restaurant pals - I will be a frequent visitor. I will be saying a lot of “hello’s” in the future. The content of this section is going to take on a different perspective in the future. I will no longer be able to write it from a first person stance since I’m no longer a resident so I am going to concentrate on writing about the individuals and businesses that make the harbor work. The affect that this pandemic has had on the Harbor is heartbreaking but things are improving on an almost daily basis. The above being said, I have to admit that I have been pretty swamped with the move and am going to take the easy way out with this month’s Harbor update. We received the following press release from our pals at Bendure Communications with an update about what is happening at the harbor as the summer goes on. This is definitely some good news for a change:
Summer Fun On and Around the Water If you missed that trip to the beach this summer and have opted to stay closer to home, National Harbor has multiple entertainment opportunities. The property is welcoming visitors and residents back with many of its shops and restaurants now open. Bobby McKeys Dueling Piano Bar is now open Friday and Saturday nights with live music and pub fare. The Capital Wheel, The Carousel at National Harbor and Topgolf are all open. And now, some of National Harbor’s boating options are open—all with special protocols in place to protect against COVID-19. New this year are Monumental Boat Tours and Float Boat 360. “We are excited to have these new operators offering a water experience only available at National Harbor. They are a fun way to explore the Potomac River,” said Jackie Saunders, AVP of marketing for National Harbor. Monumental Boat Tours allows visitors to cruise the Potomac River in their own two-person CraigCat with a knowledgeable guide (in a separate boat). Boaters will explore from National Harbor
to Mount Vernon on their twohour tour, where they will see the Jones Point Lighthouse, Fort Washington, lots of Potomac wildlife and more. The Float Boat 360 at National Harbor is designed for groups and typically holds 6 (plus a guide.) Right now, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Float Boat 360 will take a maximum of six guests, plus a guide. The guests need to remain on the opposite side of the boat from the guide in order to maintain the six-foot distance rule. The Float Boat 360 is available for a two-hour rental. “This is so much fun for small groups,” Saunders added. The Float Boat 360
allows guests to bring their own beverages including alcohol. Right now, rates have been reduced to accommodate the smaller group requirements. All of the boats and boating equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between uses. Face masks are required while on the docks but may be removed by guests during tours. Guests are asked to book online to minimize contact. For more information or to book, go to Monumental Boat Tours: monumentalboattours. com or to floatboat360.com/for Float Boat 360. For more information on National Harbor, visit www. NationalHarbor.com.
LOOK WHO'S IN THE HARBOR... That’s right, that the very clever duo – sisters Jaqi Wright and Nikki Howard - who put together “Furlough Cheesecake” during the last seemingly never ending furlough of federal employees opened a storefront in the Harbor! They are located in the former space that Stonewall Kitchen housed on American Way. Keep your eyes out for more information about the ladies and their new adventure in future issues. Photo courtesy of TheFurloughcheesecake.com
44 | August 2020
Old Town Crier
Find Trip Info at www.VisitStMarysMD.com
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LibertyByCraftmark.com
Take a Virtual Tour! PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACES | QUICK MOVE-INS | WALK & BIKE!
4-Level Rooftop Townhomes from the Low $800s Explore Craftmark’s luxurious new townhome, The Bradley, available in a remarkable Alexandria neighborhood. Central to our nation’s capital, major commuter routes & metro, and Amazon HQ2 in National Landing in Crystal City, the stage has been set for extraordinary living. Take a virtual tour of our new model home, and discover it all for yourself!
Call for a Personal Appointment! Sales Manager | Eric Yakuchev (703) 989-6662 eyakuchev@craftmarkhomes.com
FillmorePlaceWestAlexandria.com Brokers Warmly Welcomed. Must register and comply with policy terms.
Take a Virtual Tour!